Caring for the Caregiver
It is only when we begin to help ourselves that we can effectively help others.
Caregivers are our spotlight this week as we dive into the issues that are brought upon their own health and well-being while simultaneously caring for their loved ones.
According to caregiver.org, there are a variety of common health and well-being issues that are routinely seen in caregivers. They include:
Sleep deprivation.
Poor eating habits.
Failure to exercise.
Failure to stay in bed when ill.
Postponement of or failure to make doctors appointments for themselves.
Caregiving is a labor of love, but it’s still a labor.
It’s no secret that being a caregiver is an intimate and demanding task. Breast cancer isn’t experienced solely by the patient. The impacts ripple throughout their lives and the lives of those who love and care for them. The stress of caring for a loved one takes a toll on physical and mental health, leading to caregivers being at a higher risk for depression or excessive alcohol use. It is absolutely rewarding and fulfilling, but all too often, it comes with the cost of failing personal health.
So, when the demands of caring for a loved one, while fulfilling and done willingly, become harmful to the caregiver’s health, what’s the most important thing they can do? Be willing to take responsibility for and prioritize their own self-care. Caregivers must make sure their own needs are met. That said, doing say is easier said than done.
As a caregiver, when you are nearing the edge of burnout, here are some questions to consider asking yourself:
Do you think you are being selfish if you put your needs before the person you are caring for?
Are you fearful of thinking of your own needs?
Do you have trouble asking for help or asking for things you need?
Do you typically put other’s needs before your own?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, it’s ok! You aren’t alone in your worries and feelings. But this might be a good time to check in with a medical professional or a therapist, and start looking for support resources that can bring you some relief..
Here are some tools from caregiver.org to help you with meeting your needs.
1. Try to reduce your personal stress.
Recognize when you are having early warning size of stress. (Sleeping problems, irritability, etc.)
Identify the source of your stress.
Recognize what you can control and cannot control. If it helps, make a list.
Jot down your feelings in a notebook or journal. It can be therapeutic to write it all out!
2. Set goals for yourself!
Do a quick mindfulness check. Are there things that I need to accomplish that I keep setting aside?
Get help with caregiver tasks.
Engage in healthy activities. This meditation by Yoga with Adriene is just 10 minutes, designed to support you in this time of your life.
Make an appointment for a physical checkup.
3. Communicate.
Don’t be afraid to communicate your needs as they develop.
Use “I” statements to clearly express your feelings. Ex: “I am upset when,” or “I am frustrated that…”
4. Remember that it is okay to ask for and accept help! You do not have to go through this alone.
It could be as simple as a friend, neighbor or nearby family member taking your loved one out for a walk.
Reach out to local organizations whose mission is to support your family during this time (We think Going Beyond the Pink is a great choice!)
5. Try to establish a partnership and line of communication for yourself and your physician.
You may discuss your loved one’s care with your physician, too, but ensure your own needs are met by addressing your own health.
6. Get moving!
Walking, running, biking — whatever feels comfortable to you! Exercise is known to help reduce stress and stay healthy.
Finally, here are some tips for caregiver essentials from Lower Cape Fear Life Care during COVID-19. More information can be found here.
Take inventory of your supplies and things you may need. Medications, non-perishable food and easy to swallow food, cleaning materials, hand soap, etc.
Think of any visitation rules. Is there a designated bathroom? Should shoes be taken off at the door? Do hands needs to be washed immediately upon entering?
Double check expiration dates on Tylenol, Advil, and other various items in your medicine cabinet.
The Local Guide to Caregiving:
Share Care Network. Share care network allows for families to exchange free scheduled care visits with each other and volunteers. Their goal is to unite families that provide care for their loved ones with healthcare complications, special needs, cancer and more.
Lower Cape Fear Lifecare. Lower Cape Fear Lifecare has full-time physicians on staff to help you and your family be provided with expert level care at all times. Patients and families have access to interdisciplinary teams that provide support and education, and also have an individualized plan based on the hopes of you and your loved ones.
Comfort Keepers. Comfort keepers aims to provide in-home caregiving services to aging seniors that wish to maintain independence. Services may be tailored to fit individual needs, being something as small as light house-keeping, meal-prepping, or running errands. Their website allows you to take a quick self-assessment to help understand your needs, and the team is also available for in-home assessments.
Well Care. Well Care Health is able to provide home health care: medical assistance at home, and personal care: a helping hand for in-home care. Their team of professionals offer a wide range of services including nursing, physical therapy, speech therapy, personal care assistance, and more. Personal care may include companionship, running errands, exercising assistance and additional options. Recovery plans are uniquely designed to fit each patient’s needs.
For more information, please visit: https://www.caregiver.org/taking-care-you-self-care-family-caregivers
For more on the many facets of caregiver self-care and burnout, check out SingleCare’s guide here.