Providing full-time home health care for a loved one can sometimes become overwhelming. The caregivers we meet often tell us that our medical staff that they feel stressed physically and emotionally.
It is important to remember that you need to take care of yourself before you take care of someone else.
After all, you can’t provide quality care for someone else if you are unhealthy.
There are simple things that you can do that will reduce the physical and emotional stress that comes with caring for someone full-time. In honor of National Family Caregivers Month, we suggest the following stress relief tips for your health as a caregiver of a homebound loved one.
Top 5 Stress Relievers For Caregivers
Here of the top 5 ways to manage stress levels when you are the primary caregiver for your elderly parents or an injured loved one.
1. Schedule 30 Minutes Of Downtime Each Day
It is important to schedule at least 30 minutes of downtime for yourself every day. Many caregivers will use the time when their loved one is taking a nap to catch up on chores around the house. While this can be helpful, it will be more beneficial to take a half hour to dedicate to yourself.
Sit and meditate, enjoy an adult coloring book, read, take a quick walk outside, or do some exercises. Whatever it is, make sure it will make you feel good and is only for you to enjoy. There is nothing wrong with “me” time.
Taking this break can help reduce stress levels, improve your overall well-being, and improve your ability to provide care for your loved one.
2. Play Some Music
The old saying that music soothes the soul is very accurate. Listening to music during the day allows your brain to focus on something more pleasant.
As a bonus, listening to music can also be very beneficial to those with dementia or Alzheimers. Music can help those with dementia focus more, connect with caregivers, and relax.
3. Get Enough Sleep
Being over-tired is not beneficial to you or your loved one. Being tired makes it harder to complete essential caregiving tasks you need to do each day.
You should aim for no less than six hours of sleep each day, preferably eight hours.
Even if you have to break your sleep into two sessions, make sure you remain well-rested.
4. Contact Home Health Care Services In Dallas
If stress is has become constant, asking for help is always an option. Consider hiring a home health aide from Angel Home Healthcare Services. Give yourself a day off or a few hours to yourself by enlisting the services of a professional caregiver.
The home health aides at Angel Home Healthcare Services are qualified care providers and can make a large difference in the stress you are experiencing by providing part-time or long-term in-home care for your loved one.
Some of the responsibilities a home health aide can help with include medication assistance, light housekeeping, grocery shopping, cooking, and general daily function assistance.
5. Saying No Is Okay
It is important to know that saying no to additional chores or obligations is okay! You can tell your family and friends that you are too stretched to take on more responsibilities. You can say no to being the only person that provides your loved one care.
Saying no does not mean you do not care about others; it means you care about yourself. No one will benefit if you are overworked, over-tired, and just feeling unhealthy from too many obligations.
Hire Home Healthcare Services to Lessen Stress
If you feel overwhelmed with your responsibilities when caring for a loved one, it is very important to re-evaluate the situation. It will never be beneficial to anyone to make themselves unhealthy.
Make time to find ways to reduce stress, and do not feel guilty about taking care of yourself first. At Angel Home Healthcare Services, our home health professionals can help take some of the weight off of your shoulders through our reliable, compassionate care.
Whether you need long-term care or temporary assistance, Angel Home Healthcare Services is here for your loved one.
Contact one of our skilled nurses at 972-776-2224 to learn more about our services.