Taking care of an elderly loved one can be rewarding, but it’s often challenging to do alone. Working with someone who has cognitive or physical disabilities eventually becomes mentally and physically taxing. Therefore, it is extremely important for live-in Prestige Home Care, caregivers make their health and wellbeing a priority.
Mind Your Stress Levels
Caregivers must listen to how their minds and bodies react to stressful situations. A lack of sleep leads to fatigue, which can compromise the immune system. A caregiver might become irritable and short-tempered. Continuous stress and tension can often lead to total exhaustion. Ignoring any of these symptoms only leads to a decline in mental and physical health.
Ask for Help
There are many options available for families with a debilitated senior loved one. If possible, enlist the aid of multiple friends or family members to share the job. You might also look into Prestige Home Care, respite care to take over certain tasks while you manage your health. This way, family caregivers can avoid becoming overwhelmed.
Engage in Physical Activity
Exercise is vitally important for maintaining cardiovascular health. Physical activity also improves mental and emotional wellbeing. Start with 10 minutes a day and strive for a goal of 30 minutes, three to five times each week. Take walks with your elderly loved one or perform basic exercises during commercial breaks. Every little bit helps keep you fit, stress free, and boosts your immune system.
Maintain a Proper Diet
No one can expect his or her body to function normally or successfully when taking on mental, emotional and physical tasks without having enough fuel. Eat lean meats, fruits, vegetables and dairy products to ensure that your body can function properly, perform needed repairs, and handle the stresses of caregiving.
Take Health Precautions
Caregivers and their elderly loved ones benefit when family caregivers get enough rest, hydration, and nutrition. Visit a physician if necessary to stave off infections or to monitor current medical conditions. Get the recommended seasonal vaccinations to prevent passing on any illnesses to your loved one. A visit to the doctor will also help you learn to adopt healthy lifestyle habits.
You can continue to accommodate your loved one’s needs while managing your personal health with help from a trusted Prestige Home Care, at-home care agency. Prestige Home Care provides flexible live-in, hourly, and respite care to meet you and your loved one’s needs in the privacy of your loved one’s home. Whether you need us for a few hours a day, a few hours a week, or on a more frequent basis, we customize care plans to accommodate our clients. Call (407) 232-7155 today to schedule a free in-home consultation and learn about our custom care schedules.