Twenty-five (25) Self-Care Tips for Caregivers
Twenty-five (25) Self-Care Tips for Caregivers
Today, February 19, 2021 is National Caregivers Day. Nearly 70 million families are providing care at some level to family members. Additionally, many more professional caregivers are assisting families in providing care-giving. StaffLink wishes to take a moment to acknowledge both the contributions of family caregivers and professional caregivers on this special day. We also would like to offer a list of twenty-five (25) self-care tips for caregivers and encourage caregivers to remember to take care of themselves. We want them to know that self-care is not selfish. We, in fact, believe it is required self-maintenance if they are going to be compassionate and competent caregivers. Paid or non-paid, their roles are vital and essential to sustaining the lives of those they provide care.
Caregivers provide care to young and old, sick and frail, and many others requiring their help and support. Frequently, they feel undervalued and unappreciated.
Caregiving is demanding. Caregivers frequently neglect their physical health and financial health. Neglecting either will have long term effects on one’s future.
Former First Lady Rosalyn Carter said “There are only four kinds of people in the world: those who have been caregivers, those who are currently caregivers, those who will be caregivers, and those who will need caregivers”.
Caregivers truly make the world go around.
Twenty-Five (25) Self-Care Tips for Family and Professional Caregivers
- Listen to your favorite music
- Speak to yourself positively about your efforts to provide the best care
- Seek out free community and virtual lectures for enjoyment and learning
- Read a book
- Start a daily journal – also include statements of gratefulness
- Join a virtual caregivers support group
- Join a virtual book club
- Take a short walk
- Exercise at home to a YouTube video
- Light a scented candle
- Take a long bath
- Eat as healthy as possible, plan ahead
- Drink plenty of water and limit caffeine, sugar and alcohol
- Put your feet up for five minutes in the middle of your day
- Fix a “splurge” meal at home, something that you would consider too pricy to order from a restaurant
- Spend money on one of the entertainment subscriptions (Netflix, Amazon Prime, HULU, Disney+, etc) and enjoy an abundance and variety of entertainment at home
- Make an effort to get to bed early and be rested
- See your doctor and dentist as required, and keep suggested screening appointments
- Pay attention to your labs and address the issues your doctor is concerned about regarding your health
- Address your financial needs, make a plan for the future
- Accept help when offered
- Ask for assistance from family
- Secure and hire assistance
- Protect yourself from exposure during the pandemic
- Get your COVID-19 vaccination as soon as offered
Thank you for your vital and essential work! Especially during this pandemic. Happy National Caregivers Day!
To learn more about StaffLink’s exceptional caregivers and the services they provide click here.
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