It’s a noble situation to put yourself in, and one that will have a significant impact on your life and future. Because of that, we are featuring a four-part blog series that examines some of the things you should consider before becoming a family caregiver. So, think about these things before making that selfless and loving decision.
Your Health — both mental and physical
It’s important to make sure that you will be physically able to take care of your ailing loved one. Daily duties for caregivers may include lifting objects as minor as groceries to as major as assisting your loved one after a fall or even with minor tasks. Injuries like pulled muscles and sprains or pain from overusing parts of your body will hinder your ability to provide these duties, and can even lead to more serious health concerns in the long run. We advise anyone interested in becoming a caregiver consult with a doctor before stepping into that role.
It’s also important to consider your mental health and personality traits. Being someone’s primary caregiver is an emotionally taxing commitment, especially if your loved one is suffering from dementia. Pre-existing conditions like depression, anxiety, grief and even guilt can be detrimental to your wellbeing and to the care you’re able to provide. If you suffer from any of those mental health concerns, that doesn’t mean you are an unfit caregiver, but you should talk with a healthcare professional before making any kind of short-term or long-term commitment.
One of the things we value here at Sunny Days In-Home Care is the wellbeing of our caregivers. It is an impossible task to provide the best care to your clients or loved ones without first giving yourself the care you deserve. That’s why we suggest all of our caregivers follow a simple, daily routine that provides them with a healthy diet, a healthy sleep regimen and of course, plenty of “me” time. Just because you’ve committed to become a family caregiver, doesn’t mean you need to compromise your own care.