"Whether you choose to be a family caregiver or the job is thrust upon you by circumstances, your most important responsibility beyond caring for your ill or disabled relative is caring for yourself."
This is a quote from an article by Jane E. Brody.
Jane indicates that, "Too often, family caregivers are reluctant to 'abandon' their patients, even temporarily, or entrust others with their care. But a caregiver should not feel guilty about looking out for No. 1."
We have pointed out in previous posts that self care is not necessarily selfish. It gets that stigma because of the health spas that dot the country touting their hedonistic pleasures on us. Brody, however, says that self care is, "an essential act, because a caregiver who burns out, who becomes overly stressed, exhausted or ill, is no help to anyone."
Brody also highlights several ideas for protecting against burnout by caregivers. Here are just a couple:
- Arrange for an evening or afternoon out one or more times a week. Ask a relative or friend to fill in for you. If you have a cellphone, you can always be reached if a problem arises that requires your know-how.
- If it is very difficult to get out, invite people over to talk, knit, crochet, have tea, cook, play bridge, work on a jigsaw puzzle, read a play, discuss a book — anything you might enjoy that can be done at home.
If you are a caregiver, your own self care is vital to your ability to Serve Strong!
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