Finding Balance as a Caregiver to Older Relatives - Celestial Care
An older woman and her daughter/caregiver

Finding Balance as a Caregiver to Older Relatives

Finding balance as a caregiver to elderly relatives isn’t easy. Here are some tips to help you provide care while protecting your health and sanity.

Is finding balance as a caregiver to elderly relatives even possible? From managing finances and medications to providing basic care and navigating difficult transitions, being a caregiver can be taxing and overwhelming. You may feel like, between caring for your loved one and keeping up with your own life, you are just trying to get through each day. Who has time to seek balance?

The truth is, by taking the time to create balance in your life, you will be a better caregiver as well as less likely to experience emotional or physical burn-out. Keep reading for the tips to help you achieve greater balance in your life as a caregiver to older relatives.

The Risks of Not Finding Balance

“I can handle it.” While you may feel like you are capable of stepping up to any challenge that comes your way as a caregiver, that doesn’t meet you don’t need support or to take time for self-care. If you are always the one who must be there to provide care a majority of the time, that’s a large load to carry alone.

With time, you may experience physical or mental health repercussions that not only leave you unable to care for your loved one but also place you in a bad position in your own home or work life.

Caregivers who do not seek balance in their lives can suffer from the following:

  • Anxiety or depression
  • Feeling exhausted
  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Irritability
  • Health problems
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Feels of resentment or bitterness
  • Social withdrawal
  • Job loss
  • Overeating or engaging in excessive drinking or smoking

3 Steps for Achieving Balance as a Caregiver

#1: Take a break.

This step may be difficult for you, but it’s necessary to reach out for help from a friend or relative who can fill in for you from time to time. Even if you get to take one afternoon off a few times a month, it can make a difference in your level of stress and exhaustion. Just be sure to use the time to do something for yourself that enables you to rest and recharge your battery.

#2: Tap into online and local resources.

There are resources available online and locally to provide information, support, and services that can help to make your job caring for your loved one easier.  Talk with your doctor, or your loved one’s doctor, to learn more about what is available to you and what you need to be doing.  Find online communities for family caregivers so that you have trusted sources you can turn to.  You can also reach out to Celestial Care, and we’d be happy to answer your questions and help with your needs.

#3: Practice self-care.

While you may not be able to go on a lavish vacation or even schedule a regular massage, there are simple steps you can take to engage in self-care that can make a huge difference in your overall well-being.

  • Make sure you get 8 hours of sleep each night.
  • Strive to eat healthy foods.
  • Set aside time to exercise a few times a week, even if it means while you are with your elderly loved one.
  • Find a trusted friend with whom you can share your struggles and concerns.

Taking the time to practice self-care will help you to achieve some much-needed balance in your hectic life.

Finding balance as a caregiver of older relatives can be challenging, but it’s not impossible. Reach out to the caring professionals at Celestial Care to get the services and support you need to ensure both you and your loved one are living life to the fullest.