When every minute of your time as a family caregiver feels claimed by something else already, it’s difficult to find even one moment just for you. It’s definitely doable, but you might need to plan it out a bit.
Start Your Day with Gratitude
If you can start every morning by making a list of things you’re grateful for, you’ll have started your day on a positive note. Try keeping a gratitude journal by your bed so that you can start listing things right away. Or, you might take a moment before you even sit up and mentally compose a list of things you’re grateful for without moving a muscle.
Set Timers and Use Them
When you know exactly when you’re going to take a break, you’ve got something to strive for. Pick a time for your first 4- or 5-minute break. Establish ahead of time that you’re going to take a walk in the backyard or let the dog out. Whatever you want to do to get away from what you’re doing can help you to focus better when you come back.
Take Advantage of Your Senior’s Activities
Take a look at your senior’s typical schedule. If she prefers a mid-morning nap for a half hour, take advantage of that. Instead of tackling chores during that time or doing something for someone else, use that time just for you. Read a book or call a friend. Do whatever you can during that time to recharge yourself.
Make a List of Short Distractions
Sometimes when you’re stressed, it’s difficult to know what to do when you do have a few minutes. If that’s true for your, take a few minutes when you’re feeling relaxed and make a list of things you can do when you only have a few minutes. It might include friends you can call, a book that you can read a page or two from, or anything else that you enjoy.
Being a caregiver doesn’t mean that you have to be at your senior’s beck and call every minute of every day. Take these few moments for you every day and intersperse them with larger blocks of time devoted just to being you.
If you or an aging loved one is considering hiring elderly care in Mount Vernon, VA, contact the caring staff at Access Home Care Inc. Proudly Serving Northern Virginia and Surroundings for over 12 years. Call Us: (703) 765-9350
“My desire to enter into nursing started when one of my older sisters died of kidney disease due to lack of care. At age 15, I decided to enter into nursing so that I could provide quality care to patients.Upon arrival in United States at 21 years of age, I enrolled in T.C Willliams School of Practical Nursing while working as a nursing assistant at a nursing home. I also worked as a part-time home health aide to take of the elderly. After completion of my practical nurse education, I worked in geriatric psychiatry unit at Dominion Hospital and Arlington Correctional facility mental health unit.
I completed Marymount University in 2001 and entered into Home Care as a field case manager.
I held that position for 2 years and as an Administrator, and for another 2 years until Access Home Care was found in 2004."
Today, Access Home Care has over 300 employees and 286 clients.
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