You love your aging loved one very much and feel grateful most of the time to have the ability and resources to take care of him or her. But what do you do when the interrupted nights and increased responsibilities leave you feeling exhausted, stressed, and anxious? To be at your best mentally and physically, follow these tips for maximizing your energy while caregiving.
Don’t Overdo Caffeine
Many of us have the tendency to chug down more caffeine when we’re feeling tired. Remember that caffeine can only provide a temporary buzz and does nothing to restore good health. Do your best to limit yourself to one cup of coffee a day.
You can’t help your loved one if you’re exhausted. Whether you need respite from your caregiving duties or your aging loved one needs 24/7 homecare services, Northern Kentucky, KY, Assisting Hands Home Care can meet your family’s care needs. Our dedicated caregivers are available around the clock to provide transportation to doctor’s appointments, ensure seniors take their prescribed medications, and help with a variety of tasks in and outside the home.
Eat Nutritious Snacks & Meals
What we eat and drink has a direct impact on how we feel throughout the day. Focus on whole grains, lean meats, fruits, and vegetables. When you’re tired and stressed, you may automatically want to reach for sweet and salty foods. Do your best to fight this temptation and continue to eat healthy. Eat smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day to keep your blood sugar levels constant and avoid cravings for unhealthy foods.
Exercise
Even if it’s just a five-minute walk to the mailbox, getting out in the fresh air and getting your blood circulating will be beneficial. Ten to twenty minutes of exercise a day will clear your mind and keep you physically strong. You may even want to consider going on a stroll with your loved one. Short walks can offer physical and emotional benefits for both of you.
For family caregivers who are at risk for fatigue, hiring professional caregivers can provide a much-needed source of support. One of the most challenging tasks of helping an elderly relative age in place safely and comfortably is researching agencies that provide home care. Turn to Assisting Hands Home Care for reliable, high-quality in-home care for aging adults. We offer 24-hour care for seniors who require extensive assistance, and we also offer respite care for family caregivers who need a break from their caregiving duties.
Take Breaks
Don’t feel bad if you need a break. Make arrangements for another responsible adult to take over for a few hours and do something by yourself, with your spouse, or with friends. This is the best way to avoid burnout.
If you’re beginning to feel overwhelmed by your caregiving responsibilities, remember you don’t have to manage everything on your own. Seniors can face a variety of age-related challenges. Though some families choose to take on the caregiving duties, there may come a time when they need a trusted Northern Kentucky home care provider. Families sometimes need respite from their duties so they can focus on their other responsibilities, and some seniors need around-the-clock assistance that their families are not able to provide. Assisting Hands Home Care of Northern Kentucky is here to help. To learn about our premier in-home care plans and how they can help your loved one, give us a call at (859) 374-7455 today.
