Caregivers are at a higher risk of developing anxiety and depression. Both conditions also make them more likely to be at risk for other health problems, like a stroke, heart disease, and more. Prolonged stress, along with the physical demands of caregiving, make these scenarios all too common. If you provide care to your elderly parents, you need to learn better self-care behavior.
Common Problems of Caregivers
- Lack of Sleep. Many caregivers suffer from sleep deprivation, which weakens your focus, mental well-being, and health.
- Poor Eating Habits. It’s easy to lose track of time when taking care of a loved one, but forgetting to eat or foregoing regular mealtimes will only compromise your health.
- No Exercise. A lot of caregivers are too busy to exercise. Lack of exercise results in poor health.
- Not Enough Rest. You need to stay in bed when you are sick. Failing to do so will only delay your recovery.
Identifying Hurdles to Self-Care
- Believing It’s Selfish. It’s not. Putting your needs first will help you become a better caregiver.
- Thinking You Can Do Everything. You can’t. Get help to manage everything.
- Thinking You’re Not Doing Enough. Nearly every family caregiver thinks that. But you’re doing all you can, and that’s enough.
How Home Caregivers Help
When you hire the services of an agency for home care services in Washington DC, you get to:
- Take regular breaks. You need those breaks to recharge yourself. You’re a more effective caregiver when you’re rested, happy and healthy.
- Reduce Your Stress. Taking the time to rest will go a long way to reduce your personal stress. That will improve your ability to cope with your caregiving situation.
- Improve Your Health. Having personal time that you can use to walk, exercise, or engage in activities and hobbies that make you feel better will also make you healthier.
Become a better caregiver by asking for help. Call Capital City Nurses for home care services in Washington DC.
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