Avoid Caregiver Burnout: Finding a Healthy Balance When Caring for Senior Parents

You plan for a career. You plan to buy a house. You plan for a family. Life, however, often has other plans and can throw some unexpected curveballs. Caring for an older loved one is not often a job most people plan for, and many underestimate the financial burden, the amount of time it takes to provide care and the emotional toll it can take.

To help keep a healthy balance and avoid caregiver burnout, remember these tips:

• Take time for a phone conversation or a visit with a friend or family member every now and then. Too often family caregivers throw themselves full force into caring for their loved one that they lose track of other healthy relationships, which can lead to feelings of isolation and depression. Remember to surround yourself with supportive friends and family.
• Set personal limits. Don’t be afraid to let your loved one know what you are capable of giving in terms of time and assistance.
• Make time each day to relax through soothing music, prayer, meditation or other methods.
• Focus on doing one activity each day that brings enjoyment to you. It could be engaging in a hobby, taking a walk, reading a good book in a favorite spot or enjoying a latte at a favorite coffee shop.
• Exercise regularly, even if it means finding someone else to provide care while walking or going to an exercise class.
• Eat nutritious meals and get enough sleep.
• Contact a local California home care company, like Hired Hands Homecare, to learn about their home care services.

Family caregiving can often feel like an overwhelming solo job, but remember: You are not alone, and you do not have to do everything yourself! Contact the senior care experts at Hired Hands Homecare to learn more about how our in-home care services throughout Marin, Sonoma, Napa and Solano counties as well as the Tri Valley area can help you find balance.

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