6 Simple Tips to Maintain Your Well-Being
Your loved one is your main concern right now, and it will not help them if you become sick. For this reason, you need to take care of yourself. The following are ideas to help you stay well:
1. Eat three meals a day. It may be hard to eat if your loved one cannot, but remind yourself of why you need to eat...to stay strong.
2. Get adequate rest. Some chores might not get done or there may be someone who would help if you let them know how. Can someone else shop for groceries or sweep up? Things probably won’t be done perfectly now, anyway, so let others help.
3. Get outside for a few minutes every day. Twenty minutes in the fresh air will do wonders for your mood. Even better if someone goes with you. You will return to your loved one refreshed.
4. Talk honestly about how you are feeling. Good or bad, it helps to let some other person know what you are thinking and feeling. Choose wisely. It needs to be someone who is not critical of you. Support is what you need now.
5. Find some type of recreation. If you have a hobby, try to get to it at least twice a week. See a movie. Bowl. Golf. Do something different if you can.
6. There may be times when continuing in the same way is not possible. Ask your Crossroads team about respite care for your loved one.
Invaluable Resources for Caregivers
Being a caregiver is a difficult job, indeed. Whether it is your mom,
dad, brother, sister, neighbor, or even your child, a serious illness or
chronic condition can require all of your attention, energy, love and
patience. The following websites can help you find more information and
resources to make your role as a caregiver more manageable.
1. SeriousIllness.org is a FREE one-stop online resource to help caregivers find what they need. It provides information like:
• Local resources for support groups, transportation, nutrition and more
• Caregiving tips
• Advanced directive resources
• Finances and estate planning
• Medical concerns and health resources
www.seriousillness.org/crossroads/
2. CaringInfo.org is another great one-stop resource to find information
about issues like home safety, pain management, talking with a child
about his or her illness and much more. www.caringinfo.org
3. CaringBridge.org offers free patient websites to help loved ones
share information and support throughout serious health events, care and
recovery. It is extremely easy to set up and use; and it will
automatically notify family and friends each time you post new
information. www.caringbridge.org
