Care for the Care Giver

The senior care professionals at Always Best Care in Chapel Hill know that you would do anything to take great care of your elderly loved one. But have you ever considered how important it is to take care of yourself while doing so?  When providing care for a loved one, you may feel selfish by making time for your own needs; however, you must remember to continue to live your own life while caring for another's. Not only will doing so keep you from becoming exhausted, it will allow you to maintain other important relationships.

When taking time for yourself, remember that you are more than a caregiver. Although caring for your elderly loved one may be a large part of your life, and is certainly an important aspect of your current identity, you are not only a caregiver. Here are some ways that you can take care of yourself while you take care of your elderly loved one:

1. Take at least one day off per week. Whether you need to rely on other family members or home care professionals, you need to ensure that you have at least one day to take care of other aspects of your life.
2. Get out of the house. If your elderly loved one's health permits, go together to see a movie, eat lunch at a local restaurant, or even do a bit of shopping. If your elderly loved one cannot leave their home, do not feel guilty about going by yourself. Taking an hour to enjoy a lunch outside can help you recharge mentally and emotionally.
3. Don't lose touch with your friends. You may think that being a caregiver is an all-encompassing calling, but it is important to maintain other relationships in your life. Your friends will support you in your task and offer a great outlet through which you can experience other aspects of life.

As a caregiver, you owe it to your elderly loved one to provide the best care possible. You will not be able to do this if you don't first take care of yourself. The senior care professionals at Always Best Care in Chapel Hill (www.alwaysbestcarechapelhill-durham.com) know that by making time for yourself you can greatly improve the care that you provide.