The Healthy Caregiver


Aerobics:

This can be a good activity for those who enjoy music and like to dance. You can join a club or purchase videos and do them in your home. They come in all time lengths, so choose the one that best fits your needs.

Nutrition

Eating healthy will also get you on your way to becoming a healthy caregiver. Food doesn't just provide us with good taste satisfaction, but also with nourishment. Food provides us with the energy that we need to keep going. We should all follow the food pyramid, but there is nothing wrong splurging once in awhile. Who can resist chocolate cake all the time?

Leisure

You need time for yourself, whether it is grocery shopping or going to the movies. You may also have hobbies that you have not kept up due to being so busy with caregiving. Try to pick up where you left off or start a new project. You can do hobbies while your loved one is eating, sleeping, or bathing. If you have time, join hobby classes. The key is to do the activities that you enjoy. Life does not always have to be about working. Enjoy yourself! You so very much deserve it!

Family & Friends

Receive help from family and friends. This way, you will have time to yourself to do errands or other activities. Many caregivers feel awkward about receiving help. Don't. Caregiving is often a full-time job in itself and it is only natural to need a time out. If you do not have family or friends that will help, you can look into services that are provided where you live.

Education

By learning about caregiving and your loved one's condition (i.e. if they have a dementing illness such as Alzheimer's), you will be able to better care for your loved one. There is so much information out there concerning all areas of aging. The more we know, they better we can communicate and care for our loved ones. Also, if you have time, join a support group. You can learn so much through other caregivers.

Stress

Knowing when you are stressed is very important. Stress can lead to caregiver burnout which can eventually effect how your loved one is being cared for. Stress can often go unnoticed, so it's important to know the warning signs. Below, I have listed several of my articles that concern the topic of stress:

Caregiver Stress Warning Signs
Stress Busters
Soak Away

The copyright of the article The Healthy Caregiver in Elderly Caregiving is owned by Marci Stocks. Permission to republish The Healthy Caregiver in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

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