Caregiver in Dacula GA

Family caregivers tend to put all of their energy and time into caring for their elderly loved one, they forget to care for another important person – themselves. Some days can be filled with joy and appreciation for your elderly parent, while others may cause them to become stressed and frustrated. These feelings could lead to the caregiver becoming exhausted and ill. According to Health in Aging, 16 percent of caregivers report that they have more health problems since they began caring for their loved ones.

Not only can this role take a toll on the physical and mental health of the person providing the care, but it can also drain them financially. They are often arranging doctor appointments for the senior, but usually forget to get their own regular checkups. No matter how busy your schedule is, you must always make the time to take care of your own health before caring for the elder’s.

Causes of Health Problems

According to the Family Caregiver Alliance, a caregiver spouse between the ages of 66 and 96 have a 63 percent higher chance of dying earlier than those adults who are the same age, but are not caregivers.  This fact could largely be due to the heavy responsibilities that lie on the caregiver’s shoulders. Or it could be because they have neglected their own health in order to care for someone else. Whatever the reason, there are some factors that could be causing your health issues, such as:

• Not eating a healthy diet
• Lack of sleep
• Failure to exercise
• Not resting and staying in bed when sick
• Delaying or canceling doctor appointments

How to Care for Yourself

Before beginning the process of taking care of your own health needs, identify your reason for not keeping up with your own health. Do you feel guilty for taking this time for yourself? Are you hoping that all of the time put into caring for your loved one will reward you with finally getting the appreciation, love and support you have always wanted from your parent? Whatever the reason, identify it before moving on to the following self-care tips.

• Lower stress levels. Stress can be dangerous for the body and mind. Try to remove things in your life that are causing you stress. If this is not possible, find ways to manage it. For example, meditation, praying, and exercise are all ways to reduce stress in your life.
• Take a break. Do not feel like you have to do everything by yourself. Instead, ask for help. This could be from a close friend, a family member, or a home care provider. You will finally have a chance to recharge your batteries before returning to your caregiving role.
• Become a great communicator. Let your loved one know how you are feeling. Be honest about your emotions, but also listen to what the elder is saying.

Caring for an aging parent can be a daunting task, and one that might be dangerous to your health. With this information and regularly seeing your doctor, you will be able to live a long, healthful life.

The staff at Home Care Matters is available to talk with you and your family about all of your needs. Home Care Matters is a home care agency providing quality and affordable caregiver services in Dacula, GA and the surrounding areas. Call (678) 828-2195 for more information.

Source:

http://www.healthinaging.org/aging-and-health-a-to-z/topic:caregiver-health/

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Valerie Darling

Founder, Owner at Home Care Matters

Valerie was born in Miami, FL and after a few family moves, grew up locally in the Marietta, GA area.Valerie is the oldest of 4 (3 younger brothers).She is married and has one child.Valerie is the Founder, Owner and CEO of Home Care Matters.Valerie’s mom, Dee, is the inspiration and primary driver as the how and why the business was born.Valerie says, “My mom is never far from our thoughts.Mom was an integral part of developing and starting HCM before she passed away.Our goal is to stay true to her memory and continue to honor her with the love, values, and ethics she taught us.”

Valerie has the unique experience with home care as she has experienced it from both ends of the spectrum, as a caregiver and as needing care herself as a cancer survivor. Valerie says, “Taking care of someone you love is a physically, mentally and demanding labor of love.Taking care of my mom was the hardest thing I have ever done. It has given me an insight and perspective not many people understand unless you are doing it or have done it.I loved taking care of my mom.I love helping others take care of their love ones too.And now that I’ve been sick, it’s given me a whole new level of empathy and understanding for those who are sick and need help.”

Valerie’s schedule varies daily, but she loves visiting with our clients, families, caregivers, our network partners and being in the office.Says Valerie, “Every day is different, but I wake up excited about what we do, inspired by our team, clients and caregivers.I strive to be a resource to the community.I love my team and I love what we do every day. I like to think my mom would be proud.”

You can reach Valerie by email (Valerie@homecarematters.com) or in our office (770.965.4004).

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