Self Care – Taking Care of Yourself While Taking Care of a Loved One with Arthritis
July 19, 2010 by admin
Filed under Adjustable Beds
How to Take Care of Yourself While Caring for Someone with Arthritis
We are the sandwich generation; most of us will at sometime be caring for an elderly family member or someone with an illness such as arthritis and at the same time caring for our children and ourselves all at the same time. The stress level we would carry could be enormous and very unhealthy for our own well being.
Providing care for a loved one with arthritis can be extremely stressful and exhausting, not only are we the caregiver but very frustrating and upsetting as we cannot fix the illness and watch them suffer very often. When anyone depends on us there is an added layer of pressure and commitment and often can all be just too overwhelming. So in light of this we must find a way to take care of our needs, so here are a few tips to follow:
- Take a quiet time just for you to read a good book you enjoy, soak in a bubble bath or visit with a friend or your pop out for coffee with your spouse. This is you time to do whatever you want.
- Ask for support and find someone to give you a longer break whether it’s another family member to share with assistance, or hire a caregiver for a few hours while you shop, go to a salon, take a yoga class or whatever you like as long as it is a change in routine for you. Aim for a break at least once a week whenever possible, you deserve and need this time.
- Find a friend to talk to or your pastor or even better, join a support group, whether in person or an online group where others understand what you are going through. This will help take away the feeling of isolation and give answers to your questions and a place where you can offer meaningful support to others in the same boat, this will also give you a sense of community and contribution. The other great thing about an online group, no matter what the time of day or night you usually have access to chat with someone on line.
- Though often easier said than done, it is essential to get your important sleep, so if you can’t get a full night sleep in take a cat nap when your loved one is sleeping.
- Eat well, snack on nutritious food throughout the day to keep up your energy levels and to keep your brain chemicals emotionally balanced.
- And remember you cannot care for anyone if you are not well yourself, so take care of yourself first.
How to Take Care of Yourself as a Caregiver
