Caring for elderly parents can be rewarding, but you may end up prioritizing their well-being and neglecting your own. However, to be at your best for your loved one, you need to ensure you maintain your own well-being. We understand that this isn’t always easy, so we created a list of some top tips you can implement to continue taking care of your health while being a caregiver for your loved one.
How to Maintain Your Health While Caring for Elderly Parents
When adult children care for an aging parent, it can be easy for them to neglect their own mental health. It may seem counterintuitive, but the best way to ensure you are your best self for your loved one is to implement care strategies for your own health. Let’s explore how you can do just that:
Implement Self-Care Strategies
You’re only human and have your limits. It’s important to ensure your own needs are also met to avoid caregiver burnout, which is a term used to describe the emotional and physical strain that caregivers sometimes experience.
Prioritize your self-care by carving out time to engage in hobbies you find meaningful or relaxing, such as reading, doing a puzzle, or watching a TV show. Implement breaks throughout the day by taking a short walk around the block or in a nearby park.
It’s also important to eat a well-balanced diet with plenty of vegetables, protein, whole grains, and fruit to give you energy throughout your busy day. Also, pay attention to your needs and signs of stress, such as difficulty with sleep or memory, loss of appetite, or impatience. These are indicators that you need to take a break and seek support.
Explore Support Systems
You don’t have to go through this alone. It’s crucial to seek support on your journey as a caregiver, whether that means reaching out to trusted friends or a professional. This will also benefit your relationship with your loved one and ensure you provide quality care. Taking on everything alone can lead to caregiver burnout.
There are plenty of support systems to take advantage of, whether it’s a local caregiver support group, professional caregivers who can help provide assistance to your loved one, or friends and family who can help with some tasks, such as housework or grocery shopping.
Making a list of your feelings and needs can help you get them out of your head and onto a physical page, allowing you to identify where you could use additional support. Make a list of resources available to you, such as friends, family members, other family caregivers, or neighbors. Reaching out for assistance can help you not feel as though everything is on your shoulders.
Be Realistic
Establish boundaries and realistic expectations for yourself and your loved one. Communicate your limits and needs. For example, if you need to attend an appointment or an important event for your child, tell your loved one who will be available to assist them during this period.
It’s important to know that you can still support your loved one while setting boundaries and being realistic about what you can do. In fact, this will help you and your loved one manage expectations, navigate intense emotions, and reduce stress. While communicating your needs, you should also ask your loved one about their needs and preferences and involve them in decisions (especially related to their care) whenever possible.
Plan for the Future
As your loved one’s needs change, it may become necessary to explore home care services or senior living communities, such as those at Bethesda. Planning for these situations will help you be better prepared and enable your loved one to offer input into these decisions. It also allows you and your loved one to make informed decisions over time rather than quick, in-the-moment decisions.
Discover Senior Living Centered on Your Loved One’s Lifestyle
Caring for elderly parents can be rewarding, but you also need to be prepared for the future if their needs change. Senior living communities like Bethesda offer engaging amenities, delicious dining options, and more. Are you interested in exploring what Bethesda has to offer? Explore our communities and schedule a tour to see them in action today!
