Caring for a loved one at home can be rewarding. Prairie Lakes Home Health & Hospice understands it can also be physically and emotionally exhausting. Our staff encourages you to follow these tips for taking care of yourself- it’s important!
Tips:
By taking care of yourself, you are also making sure you can continue to provide the care and attention your loved one needs.
- Eat at regular times and don't skip meals. Caring for someone who requires continuous attention takes a lot of energy.
- Accept help and emotional support. Everyone needs to share their feelings and frustrations with someone who cares. Ask your team for help. Your team could include family, friends, home health staff, and/or hospice staff.
- Get enough rest. Try to sleep at night for at least six hours and take naps when the patient is sleeping. If you are extremely tired, ask your team for help.
- Schedule time for yourself. Taking a walk, going grocery shopping, taking a bath, or partaking in a hobby can help you clear your head.
- You do not have to do everything yourself; if someone offers help, take it. Also, it is ok to ask for help with housework, cooking and other household chores.
For many people, caring for a loved one’s needs is a new experience. It can lead to mixed feelings, called "compassion fatigue". Compassion fatigue is a state of emotional, physical and mental exhaustion in which one feels depleted, chronically tired, hopeless and bad, even cynical about oneself, work, life and the state of the world. Even though caring for a loved one is voluntary, emotional strains can develop and the once-satisfying relationship can become increasingly stressful.
Avoiding Compassion Fatigue:
- Be realistic. Do your best to understand the demands of caring for your loved one and ask for help. Know your limits and be honest about them. Ask your friends and family to help with specific things, like picking up mail, washing laundry, or cooking meals.
- You may feel guilty or angry. It is ok to have negative feelings; be honest and know they are natural and normal.
- There are times for humor and laughter. A little laughter can help everyone feel better; it is ok to laugh and smile.
- Make time for fun by breaking the routine. Remember to enjoy activities that lighten the mood for you and your loved one.
Services to help:
Home Connections - for those who need just a little extra help with housekeeping, personal care, and therapy.
Home Health - for those who need professional nursing care.