Caring for elderly loved ones can put a strain on even the strongest people. Being the primary caregiver for an elder should be considered a full-time job, which can be a difficult responsibility if you have another job.
If you have been under stress while juggling caring for an elder and holding down a job, this post will offer some ideas to help relieve stress.
Whether the elder you are caring for is a close family member, friend, or neighbor, taking a moment to think about why you are doing it can be rewarding.
Stress Signs
Stress can express itself in a variety of ways, and it is important to recognize and attempt to take control of it before it gets out of hand.
Here are some of the most common ways that caregiver stress expresses itself.
- Irritability, depression, and anxiety
- Feeling run down and unmotivated
- Difficulting falling asleep or staying asleep
- Trouble concentrating
- Spending less time on leisure activities
If any of these stress signs apply to you, read the tips listed below to put your body and mind on the right track.
Tip 1: Switch Up Your Routine
If you have been the primary caregiver for an elder for a long time, you may have found yourself stuck in a routine without knowing it. By switching up your routine, you will be better able to spend time on activities that you enjoy while still fulfilling your duties as a caregiver.
For example, if your caregiving experience consists of staying inside and watching television all day, we suggest taking a walk or going for a scenic drive. It can be hard to remember to take care of your needs and wants when someone else’s life is in your hands, but you can incorporate simple activities that you will both enjoy.
Home health caregivers in Tampa suggest that you think of activities that both you and your loved one enjoy doing once in a while.
Tip 2: Spread The Responsibility
If you are left with little time to spend on yourself outside of caregiving and your job, enlist other family members or friends to help take the load off.
If there are any tasks that you are expected to complete in your free time for the elder like grocery shopping, meal preparation, or prescription pickup, ask someone else to help so you can have some time for yourself.
Home healthcare nurses in Hillsborough county understand how important your free time is, and you should be able to spend it doing what you want to do.
Tip 3: Join A Support Group
Joining a support group for caregivers is a great source of stress relief. You will be able to connect with other caregivers to talk about how you are feeling and possibly learn something from other caregivers.
Caregiver support groups are a great way to socialize with people who have similar experiences and will give you a network of people to reach out to when you need support.
If you are interested in finding out more about your local caregiver support groups, contact a home health care agency in Tampa to see if they can connect you with one.
Tip 4: Talk To Your Employer
It may be unrealistic for you to quit your job or work fewer hours to focus on caregiving. Talk to your employer to make them aware of your situation to see if there is anything they can do for you.
If it is not necessary for you to be at the office while you work, ask your employer if you can do remote work. Working remotely will allow you to better manage your time, and you can get work done while caregiving.
Tip 5: Set Personal Health Goals
It can be hard to focus on yourself when you are someone’s primary caregiver. Begin your stress-relief journey by setting personal goals that you want to accomplish.
The personal health goals that you set can be big (like running a marathon) or small (like getting at least 8 hours of sleep). Once you have determined your personal health goals, write them down somewhere that you will see every day.
Making your body healthier will benefit your mind in return, relieving stress one day at a time.
Tip 6: Enlist Outside Help
If you have tried other ways to relieve stress but are not seeing results, it may be best to enlist help from an outside source. If you are left with no time for yourself between caregiving and holding down a job, hiring caregivers for home health in Tampa is a great idea.
A home health care agency in Tampa is a trusted source for caregiving, meaning you don’t have to worry about your loved one while you enjoy your free time. Home healthcare nurses in Hillsborough county are knowledgeable and trained individuals that can cater to a variety of needs.
Caregivers for home health in Tampa can take some of the responsibility off your plate whether you want them to provide care every day, a few days a week, or for a weekend.
Leaving your loved one in the hands of a home healthcare nurse in Hillsborough county will benefit you and your loved one equally.
No Place Like Home Care
No Place Like Home Care is a leading caregiver in Pinellas, Pasco, and Hillsborough County in Florida. This home health care agency near Tampa can provide care for your elderly loved one in the comfort of their own home.\
No Place Like Home Care’s experienced, compassionate and dependable caregivers provide loving care and assistance to help make their lives easier and to retain their independence while providing their families with the peace of mind that their loved ones are safe.
If you have tried many ways to reduce your stress while holding down a full-time job and being a caregiver, enlisting outside help will be the most effective.
While your loved one is being cared for by the individuals at No Place Like Home Care, you will have peace of mind knowing they are in good hands.
No Place Like HomeCare, LLC 