As all of us providing palliative care in Los Angeles try to cope and settle into the colder months, health and wellness become the top priority. Since we are still in the midst of a global health crisis, more and more people are taking on the responsibility of a caregiver in the home. Typically, caregivers of hospice Pasadena patients take on their responsibilities with love, but many make the mistake of love for selflessness. This is usually done at their own risk. It is only natural to want to be there every step of the way when it comes to your loved one’s well-being, but how far would you go and at what cost? When you are taking care of a loved one in colder regions or in areas with minimal hours of sunlight during the winter months, caregivers can usually put their own health – physical as well as mental –
In the midst of the current global health crisis, more and more individuals are taking on the role of caregiver in the home. Caregivers assume their responsibilities with love, but many mistake that love for selflessness — at their own risk. It’s natural to want to be there every step of the way with your loved one, but at what cost? When taking care of a loved one in colder regions or in areas with limited sunlight during the winter months, caregivers can often put their own health, whether it’s physical or even mental, on the backburner.
Sometimes it can be a Catch-22 situation for the caregivers providing hospice care in Los Angeles; when they take care of someone else, they more often than not allow their own health to nosedive. As a matter of fact, caregivers have an increased risk of behavioral health issues, such as substance abuse, depression, and chronic illnesses. For many people, the winter can escalate mental health problems as the days become shorter. It is common for caregivers to have feelings of loneliness and disconnection, even when they are caring for a loved one. As a caregiver providing palliative care in Los Angeles, it’s important to keep yourself healthy and strong.
Here are some caregiver self-care tips to do to help you take time for yourself during the winter season.
Understand And Feel Your Feelings
To care for a loved one is like riding an emotional roller coaster. And those feelings may have a different meaning if you’re caring for a spouse, sibling, or parent. The reality is there is no “appropriate” way to feel. While the winter holidays come and go, you may find yourself feeling resentful and stressed, which is perfectly alright to feel. Also, you may feel thankful to have this time with your loved one. And that is fine too. The probabilities are you’ll feel a tad bit of everything throughout this journey.
Ultimately, emotions are messages that our body and mind send. You can find strength and self-care when you identify your emotions, learn from them and act duly. However, what’s important above all, is to do so without judgment. Sometimes it’s okay to not be okay. So, make sure to take inventory of your feelings and do so with a guilt-free conscience.
Don’t Wear Yourself Out
As the saying goes, “you can’t pour from an empty cup.” And many of those providing palliative care in Los Angeles find that to be very true. Caregivers have a tendency to wear themselves down to give round-the-clock care for their loved ones. Although the attitude is gracious, it is not realistic, nor is it sustainable. During the winter, the days are shorter, and our bodies need time adjusting; that is why it is important to find time to take care of ourselves.
Break from time to time with a walk around the block or get a cup of coffee with a friend. Watch a funny movie and have a good laugh. Maintaining your health and making rest your number one priority will help you to re-energize and enhance your ability to care for your loved one. Also, this can and should be done in a guilt-free manner.
Find People You Can Trust
Besides the household duties and personal care, around thirty-seven caregivers report having to give injections, medications, and medical treatment to their loved ones. Nevertheless, you can do all you can, but you will not be able to give all the care your loved one requires. From those caregivers who administer basic medical care, seventy-seven percent confessed to needing professional support. For that reason, a competent and reliable medical team that you can trust is vital.
Especially in end-of-life care, places such as Faith & Hope Hospice and Palliative Care are trained to identify signs in patients that their families disregard. The dying process is complex, and working with a team while providing care for your loved one will help you get ready for each stage.
Ask For Help
When you talk about your loved one with family and friends, surely, you will hear a common response:” Let me know if I can do anything for you.” It is not unusual for well-meaning friends and family members to want to help you. However, they may not know how to go about doing just that.
Although asking a caregiver to let you know about his or her immediate needs already adds more burden to their arduous load, it is crucial to take people up on their offer. When you do decide to do just that, be straightforward. Perhaps you can ask a neighbor to sit next to your loved one so you can pop over to the grocery store. Maybe have your friend put together a holiday package for your loved one to cheer up their day. You can even find a volunteer that can walk the dog over a long hospital stay. Understand your limits, and reach out to your community for the things you require.
Being a caregiver is admired and a privilege. Also, it can mean a lot of work that takes a huge physical, mental, and emotional toll. Nevertheless, if you practice these caregiver self-care tips, you can be the best caregiver you can ever be!
