When it comes to caring for older adults, maintaining a positive attitude is a must. Staying positive can help family caregivers get through difficult, stressful, and possibly depressing days. Here are a few simple ways to keep a positive attitude while caregiving.
Look for Healthy Ways to Relieve Stress
Stress is among the top reasons caregivers develop negative attitudes, which is why it’s important to identify some healthy ways to de-stress. Hiring a professional to provide respite care a few hours a week could help. Taking a hot bath at the end of the day, going for a walk in a favorite park, or pampering yourself with a massage or manicure at least once a week are also good options. Find out what works for you and stick to it.
Caring for senior loved ones can be challenging for families who don’t have expertise or professional training in home care, but this challenge doesn’t have to be faced alone. Family caregivers can turn to
Des Moines Home Care Assistance for the help they need. We provide high-quality live-in and respite care as well as comprehensive Alzheimer’s, dementia, stroke, and Parkinson’s care.
Take Care of Yourself
It’s easy for caregivers to spend so much time taking care of their loved ones that they neglect their own health needs. At the very least, make sure you’re eating a healthy diet, exercising for 30 minutes every day, and getting a good night’s sleep. If you find it difficult to do these things, look for shortcuts. Order healthy takeout instead of eating fast food, work out on a treadmill or exercise bike while you watch TV, or turn your bedroom into a peaceful sanctuary to get proper rest at night.
Avoid Negative People
Negativity is practically contagious, so it’s best to avoid it at all costs. If there are people in your life who are negative, it may be time to cut ties. In case you can’t remove negative people from your life completely, reduce the amount of time you spend with them and don’t let their bad attitudes influence your own mood.
Do Things that Make You Happy
Consider taking time each day to watch a favorite TV show, read a book, listen to a favorite song, chat with your best friend, or engage in another activity that makes you happy. Take at least 15 minutes each day to do something you enjoy.
Hiring a professional caregiver is a good way to take a break from your caregiving duties to pursue favorite activities. If you’re the primary caregiver for a senior family member and are looking for professional
home care service, Home Care Assistance should be your top choice. Our dedicated and compassionate caregivers are committed to helping older adults address their health issues and enjoy a higher quality of life in the golden years.
Remind Yourself Why You Became a Caregiver
Try to remind yourself of the positive reasons you took on the role of caregiver. Perhaps you became a caregiver to help your parent age in place instead of moving to a nursing home, or you’re keeping your grandparent healthy enough to spend time with his or her grandchildren. Consider starting a journal that allows you to keep track of your feelings.
Caring for older adults with serious health issues can lead to an array of negative emotions. If you’re the primary family caregiver for a senior loved one living in
Des Moines, live-in care is available if your loved one’s health has become too difficult to manage without professional expertise. At Home Care Assistance, we take measures to help seniors prevent illness and injury by assisting with exercise and mobility, preparing nutritious meals, helping with bathing and other personal hygiene tasks, and much more. Call (515) 264-2438 today to speak with a friendly and experienced Care Manager to formulate a home care plan for your loved one.
