Caring for a child or elderly parent is very rewarding, but it can take a toll on one’s personal health. It’s important to care for yourself as well. To get started, here are a few tips to decrease stress and improve your well-being:
- Join a support group and seek resources. Organizations such as the Red Cross offer caregiver training and important resources for family caregivers.
- Ask for help. Guilt and the need to be in control sometimes make us decline any offers for assistance. However, you should accept any help that is offered to you and ask for help when you need it. Sometimes having someone else take care of the smallest thing, such as picking up a medication or groceries, can alleviate a lot of stress.
- Set aside some 'me' time. It’s important to stay connected to friends and other family members. Be sure to set aside at least one day a week to spend with friends and family. Getting out of the house will help to lessen stress and increase connectedness.
- Set up respite care. Whether you care for a child or an adult, there are options for respite care. Of course, with children there are babysitters, daycares and more. For elders, there are adult day care centers, in-home nurses, and other options. Although you may feel uncomfortable leaving the cared-for in the hands of another, it’s an important step.
It’s important to know that you are not alone. There are many people who have been, will be, and are currently in your shoes.
"One person caring about another represents life’s greatest value." Jim Rohn