Understanding Caregiver Burnout
The holiday season is upon us, and that means a busy schedule of shopping, parties, sending out holiday cards — all on top of our everyday routines. For caregivers of an elderly loved one, this can only add more to a plate that’s already full.
While you want the best care for your elderly loved one, caregiver burnout can be detrimental to your overall health and wellbeing. Here are some tips to combat caregiver burnout this holiday season.
Make Time For “YOU”
There’s no doubt that you probably push aside your needs to ensure your loved one has their needs met every day. It’s important to be able to recharge and get a mental and physical break from caregiving. You deserve to have some time for self-care and to do the things that you love. So, give yourself some downtime to read your favorite book, go to the gym, or make a date with a friend you haven’t seen in a while.
Taking the time out to focus on yourself will help ease stress during the holiday season. Here are some other ways you can “escape” just for a little while:
- Take a bubble bath
- Meditate (even if it’s just for 15 minutes)
- Schedule a massage
- Take a walk
Don’t Be Afraid to Ask For Help
While you surely wear a cape, sometimes superheroes need a little help too! Just because you need help from time to time, doesn’t mean that you aren’t a good caregiver. So, call up your most supportive friend or family member for assistance. They may have some skills that could relieve some everyday tasks such as helping you bake, cook, or clean.
Saying “No” is Okay
If you are often asked to participate in holiday baking or to attend parties and other holiday festivities, you may be wondering where you are going to find the time to fit everything in on top of caring for your elderly loved one. Just know it’s okay to say no to things that won’t fit in your schedule. Overextending yourself can be detrimental to your health and push you further into caregiver burnout.
Contact The Arbors Assisted Living
We understand that giving your elderly loved one around the clock care can be both mentally and physically challenging. If you feel like you are “burning the candle at both ends” and are struggling to find help caring for your elderly loved one, it may be time to consider assisted living. Contact The Arbors Assisted Living today to learn more about how we can relieve some of the stresses that come along with caregiving for an elderly loved one.