Providing care to a spouse or another loved one is one of the more difficult challenges you can embrace. If you aren’t careful, you will end up mentally and physically exhausted. The worst possible outcome is a mental or physical health breakdown that renders you unable to provide assistance to your loved one and require a caretaker of your own. You can prevent this nightmare scenario by being mindful of your own health while providing care for your family member in Philadelphia. Here’s how to do it.
Know Your Limits
If you are struggling to provide your loved one with care, do not conceal your struggle from others. Admit there is a problem and be proactive by asking for Philadelphia home care assistance. Aging With Comfort provides assistance to caregivers through our Philadelphia caregiver support program. We can also handle the entirety of home care on your behalf if desired.
Set a Schedule and Stick to It
Providing home care for a relative or close friend will prove that much easier if you establish a care schedule and stick to it. Create a structured system, make that system and schedule clear to your loved one in need and you will be able to set aside specific time periods each day for your own mental and physical health. If necessary, use a calendar app on a smartphone or tablet so you can stick to the schedule.
Learn how to Relax
If you don’t know how to relax or don’t allow yourself to relax, you won’t have the energy necessary to provide your loved one with care. Take a series of long deep breaths before, during, and after providing assistance to your spouse or other relatives in need. Even something as simple as a nature walk prior to dusk will help you relax, relieve stress, and empower you to provide the best possible care.
Get Your Mind off of Home Care
If you aren’t careful, providing home care assistance to your spouse and completing your job duties will consume your thoughts and your energy. You can shift your thoughts away from home care by picking up a hobby. Even if you don’t have a strong interest in any subject matter, it is in your interest to join a social club such as a book club so you can focus on something aside from work and volunteerism. Break your routine, immerse yourself in a hobby, and you will obtain the mental clarity necessary to continue caring for others in a selfless manner.
Exercise and Sleep the Right Way
A short walk around the block and a mere five hours of restless sleep per night will not provide you with the energy necessary to provide your loved one with care. Carve out some time for comprehensive workouts and you will find you sleep that much better. High-quality sleep empowers you with the energy necessary to give your all when caring for your spouse or other loved one who needs ongoing assistance. At a bare minimum, you should get 7 to 8 hours of sleep each evening.
Reach out to Aging With Comfort Today
Aging With Comfort provides Philadelphia home care services, caregiver support, and an intellectual disability program. If you or a family member need home care assistance, contact us today. You can reach Aging With Comfort by phone at 1 215-745-5555. You can also contact us for more information about our Philadelphia home care services online by completing our contact form.