Caring for Yourself: Really?!

This is the first of a three part series about the often-heard advice to caregivers to “take care of yourself”. 

What does that mean? Since elder caregiving is relatively new, many caregivers aren’t sure. Let’s begin with the word self care; it means considering yourself as part of the caregiving plan.  Your health and mental well-being are a vital part of providing care. Think of your contribution in other ways: wouldn’t you take care of equipment used to care for the elder? Wouldn’t you make sure to have enough supplies on hand?  Wouldn’t it be hard to provide care without equipment and supplies?  Think how much harder would it be if you weren’t able to provide care?  You’re the most important part.

Caregivers may believe that they should put their needs aside: no! That’s like pouring yourself out without putting anything back.  Such a belief leads to caregiver burnout.  Some caregivers burnout emotionally, others develop health problems, and still others find their families are disrupted.  All are symptoms of burnout.  Many symptoms go unrecognized.  Now that you are aware, you can be alert to the influence of caregiving on your life.

Some caregivers believe that the entire task is theirs alone; not necessarily.  Part of self care is letting go of that assumption. We ask for help in other parts of our lives; accountants, plumbers, physical therapists, or lawn crews.  No one believes these helpers take away our responsibility; they contribute to our successful process.   
What do you do in a typical day?  How many of those tasks require direct interaction with the elder?  Who else could do them?  For example; laundry must be done.  Why does it have to be you?  Does it matter to the elder who does it?  Letting others into the care process is part of letting go.  Letting others in is part of self care.

Self care can mean admitting to yourself that you feel certain things in response to caregiving.  Some of those feelings are not too “nice”.   Frustration, anger, despair and sadness are all parts of the caregiving journey.  If a friend came to you admitting to these feelings would you send them away?  Perhaps you would listen to them and sit with them.  Sadly, I meet caregivers who whisper their negative feelings if they say anything at all!  Part of self care is becoming your own “best friend”.  You and that self need to talk to each other.  Admitting to those not-nice feelings doesn’t make bad things happen. In fact, it allows you to let out some of the pressure behind those emotions.  Self care begins with recognition of one’s value, affirmation and support for the caregiver.  

To learn more, take our course: Preparing to Parent Your Parent  or call (217) 787-5866