If you’re a caregiver, you know that it’s a tough job -- and it’s even tougher without a plan for your own health and well-being. Fortunately, the arrival of the New Year is a perfect time to make a resolution: have a plan to simplify your caregiving duties and manage the stress of being a caregiver.
Why is this resolution so important? Without taking the right actions, being a caregiver can have serious consequences for your health. Recent studies found that:
- Caregivers are more likely to develop mental health problems than non-caregivers; 20% to 50% have depressive disorders or symptoms
- Caregivers may experience increased blood pressure and insulin levels
- Caregivers may have weakened immune systems, leading to more frequent illnesses
- Caregivers could be at increased risk for cardiovascular disease
To lower your risk of experiencing these health problems, take a few minutes now to prepare yourself for the year ahead.
1. Ask for help. Most caregivers know at least a few people who have offered their help at some time or another. Don’t hesitate to take them up on their offer. Think of simple activities that you can easily delegate to others, and do consider accepting financial assistance if that is a genuine offer from a concerned loved one. Perform a fresh evaluation of your finances to see if there’s money in the budget for at-home, professional help -- even if it’s only a few hours a week.
2. Thank those who have helped already. During the busy holiday season, you may have gotten help from friends and loved ones. Sending these people a note of gratitude won’t take long, but it will go a long way, especially if you need to lean on them again in the future.
3. Find local support. It may surprise you to learn how many support organizations are out there for caregivers like you -- most of them completely free. Contact the nearest office of the Area Agency on Aging, or research a local chapter of a national disease-specific organization. In most U.S. states, you can even dial 211 to get advice about where to find these resources in your community.
4. Take some “you” time. Being a caregiver shouldn’t mean abandoning the things you enjoy. Make a point of taking time to read a book, listen to music, or go for a walk outside -- even if it’s just for a few minutes.
5. Sleep. Getting enough rest can be easier said than done, but it’s crucial to sleep when you need to -- for your sake and the person you’re caring for. If you’re having difficulty finding the time to get at least seven or eight hours, it’s a sign that you need to ask for help.
6. Don’t neglect your own medical care. Continue visiting the doctor regularly for all of your preventative care. Waiting until you get sick to see the doctor is never a good idea, and such behavior is actually dangerous for caregivers who have people depending on them for support with activities of daily living.
7. Plan for your future. Someday, you may need the same kind of care that you’re giving now. But with some foresight, you can learn from your experiences and make things easier on yourself and your loved ones when that day comes. Start by making a rough outline of how you might pay for your own long-term care, whether that’s through long-term care insurance, savings, reverse mortgages, or a combination of several options.
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