Rest is vital to your health because it enables you to make sound caregiving-related decisions, enhances your mood, and prevents various health problems. You must make time to get the rest your body and mind need, even if that involves hiring a professional caregiver to assist with your senior loved one’s care. Below are some tips you can use to get more rest as a family caregiver.
1. Ask for Help
Whenever trusted family members and friends volunteer to help with your loved one’s care, it’s a good idea to take them up on their offers. While they’re helping with tasks, you can take the time to relax and rest, even if it’s only for a couple of hours. Dividing caregiving-related duties among you and your siblings allows everyone to make time for their personal and professional needs, including getting plenty of rest.
Family caregivers who feel overwhelmed by their responsibilities don’t have to manage everything on their own. Seniors can face a variety of age-related challenges. Though some families choose to take on the caregiving duties, there may come a time when they need a trusted elderly home care provider. Families sometimes need respite from their duties so they can focus on their other responsibilities, and some seniors need around-the-clock assistance that their families are not able to provide. Home Care Assistance is here to help.
2. Exercise More
Regular physical activity can boost your health and lead to better rest at night. The movements reduce feelings of stress and anxiety and relax the mind and body. Yoga and cardio exercises are among the best activities for family caregivers. If you can exercise outdoors, the beauty, sounds, and smells of nature can boost your mental and emotional health, reduce physical pain, and allow you to get a good night’s rest or high-quality naps during the day.
3. Take Naps at the Same Time as Your Loved One
Most seniors take short naps during the day, particularly after meals or fun activities. When your loved one goes to sleep, you should take a nap as well. Resting at the same time could prevent you from worrying about your loved one’s safety because you know he or she is also asleep. Planning your naps at the same time each day gives you both a consistent schedule. However, your parent should never take long naps, because it could prevent him or her from sleeping throughout the night.
You can boost your long-term effectiveness as a family caregiver by making self-care a priority, and adding a professional caregiver to your support team can help you accomplish that. Though you may be researching multiple agencies that provide senior care, Rhode Island Home Care Assistance has much to offer your family and your elderly loved one. We are leaders in the senior home care industry, offering proprietary programs like our holistic Balanced Care Method and around-the-clock assistance from reliable, experienced caregivers. Trust Home Care Assistance to help your loved one enjoy a happier and healthier life in the golden years.
4. Avoid Caffeine
Drinking coffee, tea, and other caffeinated beverages can disrupt your sleeping patterns and prevent you from getting the rest your body needs. It’s common for caregivers to drink coffee because it’s convenient and provides a temporary energy boost. However, drinking too much caffeine has adverse effects on sleep quality, brain function, and mental health. To enhance your resting habits and overall quality of life, you should avoid consuming too much caffeine.
5. Hire an In-Home Respite Caregiver
Regardless of what time you go to sleep or how long you need assistance, a professional caregiver can come in and help with your loved one’s care. For instance, if you’re a night person and need to sleep more during the day, hire an in-home respite caregiver for a few mornings each week. A professional caregiver has the knowledge and skills to provide high-quality care for your parent, giving you peace of mind and preventing you from tossing and turning while you’re asleep.
Family caregivers need to care for their own wellbeing. If you’re caring for an aging loved one and are feeling overwhelmed, consider hiring a professional caregiver to provide respite care. Rhode Island families who want to prevent burnout can turn to Home Care Assistance. One of our professional caregivers can assist your loved one at home while you take a nap, go to work, run errands, or go on vacation. To hire a professionally trained caregiver for your loved one, call us at (401) 284-0979 today.