With the unbelievable fact that “the number of family caregivers in America has increased by over 10 million between 2015 and 2020, with 1 in 5 adults caring for loved ones without pay” it’s only a matter of time before each of us may become the one out of five!
- Use Respite Care for your own benefit as well as that of your loved one. There are many options for ranges of time, and can be extremely helpful for caregivers to take a break as well as give loved ones a chance to temporarily enjoy the benefits of being in an assisted care community. Whether you choose a home health aid or a visit to an adult day center, it’s key to be sure you do take a break as often as possible.
- Join a Caregiver Support Group to help with understanding the struggles you are facing and potentially offering suggestions and ideas which may have worked for others in your same scenario.
- Eat a healthy diet using sweet fruit instead of sugary foods, go with lean proteins and complex carbs, nuts, bananas, oats, and chia seeds.
- Do some form of exercise, even if you can’t leave the house for long. Being outside, even if it’s just in the yard for fresh air, does wonders for you emotionally and physically – and if you bring your favorite music with you (have a playlist on your cell phone if you don’t have a portable speaker) then the combination of music and exercise will lift your spirits in just a short time!
An example HERE of respite care in other locations gives you more insight as to how it can help, or HERE for treatment and prevention of burnout, and HERE for nutrition suggestions to keep your energy up without worrying about weight gain.