A new initiative that provides such a resource is the 4Ms-Caregiver Intervention. For instance, many people get support from their faith communities or volunteer organizations. Your informal network might actually be larger than you think. When it comes to getting help, think outside the box. And when the offer to help is made, say, “Yes!” 5. Be sure there are both big and small asks on the list, so you can tailor the task to the person offering to help. Once you have the list, you can then refer to it whenever anyone asks if they can help. To address this, make a list of anything you can think of that would be helpful to you or even just “nice to have” that would relieve some of your pressure. “What can I do to help?” Friends and family often ask this question, and you may be stumped about how to answer in the moment. ![]() To protect your health and well-being, it’s necessary to prioritize, set realistic expectations and sometimes say, “No.” This might mean asking for help with a spouse’s care in the mornings so you can go to an exercise class, or telling your adult child that babysitting the grandkids on Saturday night is one thing too many for you that week. It’s important to acknowledge that you’re not superhuman. The key is to make sure that you’re focusing on what you need during that time. It may be as small as taking a walk around the block, inviting a friend over for a cup of coffee or reading a chapter of a good book. Think of it as carving out a little breathing room for yourself. A small step can have a huge impact, particularly if you’re not used to taking care of yourself. Set manageable self-care goals.ĭon’t put pressure on yourself to make huge changes right out of the gate. You, and those you care for, all deserve good health. ![]() ![]() But if you don’t care for yourself (such as getting regular health screenings and visiting the dentist, getting enough rest, exercising and doing activities you enjoy), you risk negative consequences for your own health and well-being as well as being unavailable to provide care for others. As part of what matters, it’s essential to acknowledge that you have your own needs, and that your needs matter just as much as those of the people you’re caring for.Ĭaregivers tend to put themselves last. You are choosing this for reasons that reflect who you are and what matters to you. Why do you provide the care you do? It has to do with your values. The following five tips can help you get the support you need to stay physically and emotionally healthy. Being a caregiver can be fulfilling and bring you a lot of pleasure, but it can also be extremely challenging. National Family Caregivers Month is an ideal time to reflect on how caregivers can take better care of themselves.
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