New caregivers have a lot on their plates. They have assumed the responsibility for the health and well-being of a senior citizen who relies upon their compassionate in-home senior care in Boca Raton. When it comes to providing that care for one or both elderly parents who are living inside of your home, the typical stressors associated with caregiving can be exponentially exacerbated for any number of reasons.
But it’s all in how you handle those stressors that can prevent you from suffering the effects of burnout and exhaustion. Sometimes, a caregiver can begin to feel as if their life is becoming overwhelmed with not just the responsibility of providing care for an elderly parent but also the challenges and responsibilities that are part and parcel of their average day. If that caregiver also has a family of his or her own, that brings a whole level of pressure in those obligations.
If you are among the thousands in this country who are juggling these multiple duties, you are probably feeling the pressure bearing down on you heavily. It’s okay, we are here to help. We have some tips for you to keep in mind that can help you minimize the stress of caring for an elderly parent in your home:
Stick to A Routine
You may already know this or it could be the key to finding a successful way to cope with all you have on your shoulders right now. Establish a routine, a way of doing things, a blueprint for your day, that must be followed step by step, day in and day out. Routines are a great way to help you prioritize all of the things you need to accomplish in your day.
Take Care of Yourself
Don’t feel guilty for putting yourself first from time to time. You need the respite from all that is expected of you and if you don’t take it, you will get sick physically, and break down emotionally. An occasional disconnect is vital for healing yourself and taking steps to maintain your well-being is going to do you a world of good.
That requires watching what you eat, getting plenty of exercise, ad switching off from responsibility every so often. Failing to take some time to relax and recover, will not only make you ill but it could bring up feelings of anger and resentment towards you parents and other people in your life.
Have A Good Doctor on Call
Your elderly parents are going to have health challenges that will need to be addressed at some point. As we age, our bodies start to break down. When we get sick or have a problem we go to the doctor. But the elderly need to have medical professionals who specialize in treating senior citizens and having this type of physician on call if and when your parents need medical attention will be highly beneficial.
Don’t Go It Alone
Never hesitate to ask for outside assistance if you need it. Whether it’s friends, family, or hired help, don’t try to take on all of this by yourself.
