navigating Self-Care as a caregiver for your elderly parent
One of the important lessons I learned early on is that taking care of myself while caring for my elderly parent is crucial for both our well-being. It took me a while to get up to speed and it made all the difference.
What does self-care look like?
Your physical well-being: We frequently hear about the importance of exercise, a healthy diet, and getting adequate sleep. This is especially true when caring for others. I get that the stress of caring for a parent can lead you to grab a bag of chips and distract yourself in front of the TV until the late hours. Eventually, it takes a toll. Your energy level plummets and your patience wears thin. It’s not a pretty picture.
If you do not already have an exercise routine, find one that fits your schedule and that you will enjoy doing…
You need a ton of energy to care for your parent. Cutting back on processed foods…
Sleep can be elusive depending on the level of care you are providing. It’s critical to get at least 6 - 8 hours of sleep a night. I do not function well when I don’t get enough sleep.
Your emotional well-being: Taking breaks is essential…
Adapting Together: Managing Transitions with Your Elderly Parent
What happens when you have an elderly parent who needs 24/7 care? How do you help them adjust to a life full of change and transition?
I recently moved back to my hometown after living away for four decades. I did this for many reasons; participating in the care of my 98-year-old (now 99) father was a significant factor, along with a desire to be closer to family and to live in a smaller, more affordable city.
Not only did I move home but I moved in with my father. Living with my elderly father after living on my own for most of my life required some adjustment to say the least. And of course, this was a significant change for my father as well…
What I want to highlight here are the changes that my father is experiencing and their effect…
All of a sudden, you need more care. You need to depend on your family more than ever. You were always the one who took care of them and now your independence is almost completely gone. It’s challenging, demoralizing, and frustrating. The overriding thought is that you no longer feel useful…
So how do you help your parent maintain some independence and continue to feel useful?