Page 18 - Senior Times South Central Michigan - September 2019 - 26-09

Page 18
Senior Times - September 2019
CARING FOR A PARENT? PROTECT YOUR OWN PEACE OF MIND
By: Sherii Sherban, Publisher
In order to be an effective caregiver you must consider your health and well being first. It’s hard to do, but unless you are healthy, you cannot be effective for your loved one. I say this with good intentions but the reality is that when you see your loved one in need it’s truly hard to say, “I’ll be there as soon as I’m done with my workout.” And consequently, if there is no one else to remind you that you are important, your health and peace of mind can be moved further down on the list of “To Do’s.”
to devote all of your time and attention to those you’re providing for, and accidentally overlook your own health.
And yet, the truth remains, your health is just as important, and oftentimes more if you want to be sure that you are the one acting as health advocatefor your loved done.
Similarly, it’s important to take stock of your own personal circumstances and well being, for the sake of your own peace of mind, and the quality of your loved one’s care. Are you experiencing excessive strain, stress, fatigue, or symptoms of burnout?
• Am I angry or irritable all the time?
• Am I losing sleep or suffering ill health?
• Do I frequently feel mentally or physically
page 5.)
• Keep up with your personal doctor’s visits
What are you doing as a caregiver to pro- tect your peace of mind? Caregiving can, and usually is, stressful and time-consuming. Though it is undoubtedly one of the greatest acts of love there is, it can also be a major drain on your time and resources. It’s easy to feel exhausted, stretched thin, or preoccupied with your loved one’s health and well being. In fact, it’s quite common for caregivers to worry so much that they eventually suffer from burnout.
Ask yourself:
Don’t let your own health suffer because you’re putting all your attention toward others. Instead, be sure to regularly check in on yourself.
In addition to safeguarding your physical and mental health and wellbeing, it’s important to plan personal respite time with yourself, family, or friends. Make sure that you give yourself time for things that have nothing to do with caregiving.
Gauge how you’re feeling, and take con- crete steps daily to stay healthy, such as:
• Drink plenty of water every day.
• Get a healthy amount of rest each night.
• Make time to exercise and stay active.
• Keep up to date with any medications you
may be taking.
• Talk to someone if you need help, such as a
therapist or visit a support group. (See
and appointments.
The equilibrium between caring and supporting your loved one as well as your- self is a delicate balance that is worth investing in so that you don’t find yourself in trouble.
Be willing to see signs of trouble. As a caregiver, there’s a limit to what you can do alone. It’s important to be aware of the “yel- low flags” that indicate that you need rein- forcements.
appointments?
• Have I lost interest in things I used to do? • Am I making enough time for my family
As a caregiver, it’s easy to feel like the weight of the world is on your shoulders. It’s natural to want to fill up your schedule and devote as much time as humanly possible to your loved ones. But it’s also important to establish boundaries and make sure that you give yourself time for other important things in life.
exhausted?
• Have I repeatedly cancelled personal health
and myself?
• Have I started turning to coping mecha-
nisms, such as increased drinking, to get through the day?
All of these are signs that it may be time to seek additional help – in order to give you back your health, wellness, and peace of mind.
Personal renewal time ideas:
• Find time to meditate, pray, or find spiritual
Establish boundaries for peace of mind.
Check in on your own health. The reality is that as a loving caregiver, it’s easy for you
renewal every day.
Grand Vista is a place seniors can receive the care and support needed to live ful lling lives in a home-like environment.
Grand Vista Located in Coldwater & Marshall, Michigan Ph: 517-227-5225 www.grandvistaliving.com
• Medication Management • 24/7 Pharmacy Services • Personalized Care Plans • ADL & IADL Support • Meals Services
• Housekeeping
& Laundry Services
• Daily Activities & Entertainment
• All Inclusive Pricing
Family Owned & Operated
Adult Day Care
(269) 962-1750
Bene ts Counseling
(269) 781-0846 - Marshall (800) 803-7174 - Battle Creek (517) 629-3842 - Albion
Community Care Options
(269) 441-0948
Dental Services
(269) 781-0952
Handy Helper Services
(866) 200-8877
Hearing & Vision Services
(269) 969-6377
Home Heating Assistance
(269) 965-7766
Legal Assistance
(800) 688-3951
Meal Delivered / Meal Sites
(866) 200-8877
Minor Home Repair
(877) 422-2726
Money Management
(866) 963-3253
Personal Emergency Response
(269) 441-0918
Prescription Assistance
(269) 781-0952
Ramps for Accessibility
(269) 966-2502
Senior Centers
(517) 629-3842 - Albion (269) 558-6150 - Marshall (269) 441-0948 - Battle Creek
Senior Fitness & Fun
(269) 441-0948
Senior Transportation
(800) 994-9876
Calhoun County Senior Services
315 W. Green St. Marshall, MI 49068 • 269-781-0846 www.calhouncountymi.gov/government/senior_services/