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Caregivers Need Care Too

  

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Summary: Informative article by Natalie Schneider, CMC, about ways to avoid caregiver burnout.

CAREGIVERS NEED CARE TOO

Caregivers of a family member in need often get pulled into circumstances slowly. I have heard many times "One day I just realized I spent most of my time helping or thinking about what I needed to do for her. It all started by going to the grocery store for her and now I am with her almost everyday."

Caregivers don't even realize how much time they spend with the loved one in need of assistance. The opportunity to help one you love is an honor. To help you keep that proper perspective there are proactive steps you should take to protect yourself from burnout which can lead to a deterioration of one of the most precious relationships you've had in life.

Consider these ideas to avoid caregiver burnout:

• Healthy lifestyle: If you are not caring for yourself you can't effectively care for your loved one.
  • Make sure you are protecting you nutrition and exercise several times per week.
  • Try to maintain a regular sleep schedule. If you are not sleeping well at night ask your doctor if medication may be needed. Sleep aids are helpful in teaching your body what healthy sleep is. Often just getting in the habit of sleeping well is all it takes. Use the medication to get you back on track you don't have to be a slave to it for the rest of your life.
  • Address your spiritual needs. Don't lose your faith in the jumble of your caregiving.
• If circumstances allow arrange for time alone in the house without your loved one in need. Homes should be a place of solace. Being in the house alone can revitalize you. Take a nap in your bed without having to keep one eye and ear open.
• Say "yes" to help but don't be vague about your needs.
• Volunteer outside the home
• Take a class of interest
• Participate in a support group
• Find an outside agency to provide respite care. Respite care is vital to the primary caregiver. Asking for regularly scheduled help is often difficult for caregivers. Find an agency you trust to provide some respite. Knowing who you would like to help is important. If in a bind you have just one number to call.
• Make arrangements to leave the house not just to run errands. Getting out to the store is satisfying but also make arrangements for social engagements too.
• If weather permits go fishing, ride a bike, take a walk or go to a baseball game.

You will need a support network to provide respite care for you. Family members, friends or a caregiver agency are all good choices. Find what works for your situation and remember caregivers need care too.

Natalie Schneider CGCM has worked with the elderly for over a decade as a registered nurse and as a geriatric care manager in the Kansas City metropolitan area. She owns and operates American Companion Care Kansas City's most responsive agency. For more information regarding elderly senior management you may contact her via email at natalie@americancompanioncare.com.

Document: CAREGIVERS NEED CARE TOO November 2009.doc