Your own mental health is a massive part of you continuing to be the caregiver that you want to be. If you’re not already protecting your mental health, you need to work out some solutions that allow you to do just that.

Take Time Away from Caregiving

One of the most common pieces of advice you’re likely to see as a caregiver is that you need to be taking time away. It’s such a popular tip because it’s an important one. You need to have time that is just devoted to you, not to anything else. Hiring elder care providers and doing something else for an afternoon or an entire day is a massive step in the right direction.

Find Activities You Both Enjoy

Chances are that you spend a lot of time with your aging family member. It’s important that you have activities to do together that you both enjoy. That might be baking, watching your favorite television program, or reading aloud to each other. No matter what it is, shared activities help you to connect with each other and that’s vital.

Set up Some Solid Routines

Routines can feel like a leash for some people, but others just can’t function without them as a part of their day. For you and your senior, solid routines give each day and each week a framework that you can follow easily. Little things might change from one day to another, but the routine gives you the stability that you can lean on when things get difficult.

Get Emotional Help and Support for Yourself

You don’t have to go through this alone. There is support out there for family caregivers, but you need to access it. Support groups for caregivers are a wonderful option. These are folks who have been where you are and can help you solve problems. But it’s also a good idea to consider talking to a therapist. Therapists who specialize in caregiving situations can give you tools and solutions that meet you where you are now and can take you where you want to be.

If you’re letting your own mental health suffer, that’s a pretty big problem. Eventually, you won’t be able to be a caregiver at all anymore and that is not an option for most caregivers. Take care of yourself so that you can continue to be in a position to care for your senior and for the other people you love.

If you or an aging loved-one are considering hiring Homecare in Los Angeles, CA, please call Mom's Home Care and talk to our friendly, knowledgeable staff.
Our number is 323-244-4789