The theme for National Family Caregivers Month this November is "Take Care to Give Care."
To those of us who have been caregivers, you are fully aware of the emotional and physical demands of the job. The range of duties includes a variety of activity from managing finances, providing activities of daily living, preparing meals, and assisting with hygiene. During a season of caregiving, it is not unusual to feel isolated, resentful or burned out. Caregivers often do not factor caring for themselves into their life.
It is time to Take Care to Give Care.
First, recognize warning signs that your are reaching your breaking point with stress. If you are experiencing any of the following, you may need to work on your own self care:
- Feelings of being overwhelmed, angry or anxious
- Physical ailments, such as frequent colds, headaches or backaches
- Sleeplessness
- Lost sense of humor or interest in things you used to love
- Bursts of crying
Once your recognize warning signs that you may be overly stressed, create a Self Care Action Plan. Write down at least four things that mean the most for your own self care. Here are some examples:
- Take a nap.
- Make time to see a friend.
- Call a reputable caregiving agency and take at least a four-hour break.
- Exercise.
- Seek counseling or support from a support group or spiritual counselor.
- Eat a healthy meal.
If anyone offers to help, have your list of ideas ready to go. Ask for help with grocery shopping, cleaning the house, doing laundry, managing bills or yardwork.
This is Sheila Harrell with Church Health.
http://www.caregiveraction.org/national-family-caregivers-month
http://www.biausa.org/announcements/november-is-national-family-caregiver-awareness-month