Respite care services and self-care provide a number of benefits for family caregivers and seniors alike.
All family caregivers want what’s best for the elderly loved ones in their care, but sometimes prioritizing the needs of others can cause family caregiver wellbeing to fall by the wayside. Caregiving is certainly a rewarding endeavor, but it can also be both demanding and exhausting. Luckily, there are some easy self-care tips that, when combined with professional respite care for family caregivers, can help caregivers maintain physical and mental wellness.
Mixed feelings of joy, gratitude, frustration, isolation, and/or guilt may occur at different intervals when providing care for an elderly loved one. What’s more, caregiving from a distance can present particular challenges that may compound these feelings. It’s important to evaluate the emotional and physical demands of caring for a senior loved one, especially when one is new to caregiving.
Family caregivers should perform a self-evaluation on a regular basis to assess feelings and emotions. To help manage the many emotions inherent in caring for a senior loved one, it’s vitally important to recognize when it’s time to step back and practice some caregiver self-care.
Restorative practices that can revitalize a family caregiver include:
- Going for a brisk walk or engaging in another enjoyable physical activity
- Opening up to friends or other trusted loved ones about personal struggles over a phone call
- Taking a nap or engaging in another relaxing activity, like a hot bath
- Stepping away for a break to practice prayer, mindfulness or deep breathing
- Eating healthy foods and drinking plenty of water
- Enjoying hobbies and favorite pastimes
- Seeking respite care assistance from a trusted, local home care provider like Jewish Family Home Care
Family Caregiver Support Groups
Caregiving from a distance can prove to be especially challenging from an emotional standpoint, and family caregivers in this situation might find themselves wrestling with guilt over not doing enough, jealousy towards those who get to spend more time with their loved one, and financial worries about taking time off work to provide care.
In these trying times, it’s especially essential to connect with a community of caregivers who can provide support and guidance. While many caregiver support groups meet in person, others have moved to virtual platforms during the COVID-19 pandemic and are more accessible than ever via the internet. In the absence of formal support groups, connecting with other caregivers through social media and discussion boards is a great way to find support and camaraderie.
If family caregivers feel that more help would be welcome, our professional respite care for family caregivers can provide a much-deserved break. The experienced team at Jewish Family Home Care provides guidance, support, and assistance so that family caregivers can rest and recharge and continue to provide the best care possible for a senior loved one. As an award-winning, trusted, local provider of in home care in Plantation and the surrounding communities, we offer customized in-home care services to help seniors live life to the fullest while aging in place. Our compassionate care team is available to help family caregivers for a few hours each week, up to and including 24-hour care. Just a few of the ways we can help include:
- Friendly fellowship and discussion
- Light housekeeping and laundry services
- Nutritious meal planning, preparation, companionship during dining, and clean-up
- Assistance with getting around and physician-approved exercises
- Personal care assistance and support
- Accompaniment to medical appointments
- Help with bathing and dressing
- Medication reminders
- Specialized dementia care
- And so much more
To learn more about the services offered by Jewish Family Home Care, reach out to us at 954-908-5677 to speak with one of our home care experts. We are proud to have provided respite care for family caregivers and in home care in Plantation, FL and the surrounding communities since 2015. Contact us today and let us know more about how we can help you and a senior you love!