Taking Care of the Caretaker

You rise every morning with the sun to care for your loved one, preparing medications, meals or just for the day ahead. The day might be full of appointments or you could be home all day seeing to the needs of the person you are charged with caring for. The role of the care taker is not always easy. Many times the person you care for takes priority over your own needs.

Care takers can burn out. It’s not uncommon for care takers to be sleep deprived, stressed and socially isolated. If you are caring for a child there are emotional stresses that you might be facing such as anxiety for the future or guilt over their health situation. When caring for a parent there is a change of dynamics in your relationship, disruption to family life and the pull between caring for your parent and taking care of your family or spouse. Not to mention the financial burden it may be putting on you because you aren’t able to work as much or any longer due to the nature of care needed of your family member.

There is no shame in needing help to care for your loved one. Advantage Private Home Care is here to be that other hand that you need. To allow yourself that day or those few hours for you to attend to yourself. To go to your own appointments or just to have some time for hobbies, shopping, or other activities you enjoy. It is important as a care giver that you recognize when you are burning out. So, we’ve made a list of things to look for in yourself:

  1. Mood swings or feeling depressed
  2. Feeling overwhelmed with everyday tasks
  3. Irritability towards the person your caring for
  4. Feeling like caregiving is all that you do

As a care giver it is very important that you take time for yourself. You should never feel guilty for taking care of you, doing so will also help you take better care of the person you are looking after. Going to lunch with friends, exercising, or just getting to sleep in. We are here to support you as you care for your loved one. Without you there is no care, you are vital and important and so is the care you take of yourself.

Advantage Private Home Care can help with light housekeeping, meal prep, or even taking your loved one to their appointments. This can free you up for that solitary moment you need to regroup and take a moment for yourself. Let Advantage Private Home Care be your helping hand.