Page 34 - Central Savannah River Area - Seniors Resource Directory

Self-Care

for Caregivers

If you are providing care for someone else on an occasional, part-time, or full-time basis,
you may need a little support yourself.
Many children of older parents underestimate the number of extra chores they are taking on
to “help Mom out” or to “take care of Dad.” Miscalculating the investment can also mean
misjudging the toll on their own lives.

PROTECT YOUR EMOTIONAL HEALTH • Stay active – Exercise offers excellent mental
• Take “me” time – If this means asking someone and physical benefits, plus it reduces your
else to watch your loved one for a few hours, chance of chronic illness and disease.
then ask. You may need to look into local adult • Look after yourself – Don’t postpone your
day care programs or respite care programs own medical needs. Stay in bed if you need
through your local hospice or other organization. to. Make regular doctor/dentist appointments
Get out and do something fun regularly—and for yourself.
without guilt! • Get adequate rest – Sleep deprivation has
• Don’t isolate yourself – Maintain your family been proven to trigger numerous physical
and social relationships. You may have to adjust and mental ailments. Caregiving can interrupt
how and where you meet, and how often, but sleep, so rest whenever you are able. If your
don’t sacrifice your own life for someone else’s. charge is taking a nap, you should too!
Doing so will only encourage a sense of stress
and resentment. After all, when flying on an airplane, you are
always told that, in case of an emergency, you
• Find a support group – Look for local support should put on your air mask BEFORE assisting
groups for caregivers, or join one online. You others. Why? If you don’t take care of yourself
need to be able to talk to people who know what first, you won’t be able to care for anyone else.
your challenges are—and can offer suggestions! The same holds true for every caregiver.
• Reduce your stress – If you have a relaxing
hobby, pursue it. If you haven’t tried meditation
or yoga, now might be the time to give it a shot.
Even regular stretching or breathing exercises can
help reduce stress.
®
You can count on an SRES to guide you through
PRIORITIZE YOUR OWN SELF-CARE the process of buying or selling your home, making
• Eat properly – Nourish your body to prevent the transaction less stressful and more successful.
illness and physical stress. Recognize that
grabbing a quick bite of fast food on a regular
basis will eventually damage your health.

®
®
The Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES ) designation is awarded by the
SRES Council, a subsidiary of the National Association of REALTORS (NAR).
®
®
To learn more about SRES and access various consumer resources,
®
please visit SRES.org
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