Staying focused on your senior loved one’s care can be challenging when you have so many decisions to make in the course of a single day. However, your loved one needs your attention to stay safe. While it’s normal for your mind to wander occasionally, you can use the following tips to train your mind to stay in the moment.
Plan a Daily Workout
During times of stress, the body releases hormones that trigger a fight-or-flight response. Hormones such as cortisol alter the way the brain functions, which could cause you to lose track of what you’re doing. Make sure to work out each day to help your body handle the physical symptoms of stress. Whether you work out for one hour or in short bursts throughout the day, engaging in physical activity helps you return to your duties with a calmer mindset.
Hiring a professional caregiver is one of the best ways to take some time off for exercise. 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.
Prepare Lists
Lists aren’t just for groceries. Some of the most productive people in the world write lists in the morning that guide their day. From preparing a to-do list to keeping notes on your loved one’s physical symptoms, putting your thoughts on paper can free your mind to focus on each moment.
Do the Most Difficult Tasks First
Completing difficult tasks such as doing the laundry or cleaning the bathroom may eliminate the worry from your mind. If you detest a specific chore, consider delegating it to a professional caregiver so you can engage with your loved one.
Caring for a senior loved one can be rewarding, but it can also be overwhelming for family caregivers who have other responsibilities they need to focus on. For these families, the perfect solution is respite care. Rhode Island families rely on our caregivers whenever they need time to rest, work, run errands, and even go on vacation.
Practice the Art of Noticing
The art of noticing can help you take note of the various things that trigger different responses in your mind throughout the day. For instance, you may feel agitated for seemingly no reason. However, noticing your environment allows you to identify potential triggers such as hunger and fatigue. As you begin to notice the events that cause you to lose focus, you can take steps to address each issue.
Change Things Up
Boredom may also cause you to lose focus. For instance, you may daydream about all the things you’d rather be doing than your normal activities. When boredom builds up, find something new to break the monotony. Consider teaming up with another caregiver to take your loved one to the movies, or arrange for respite care so you can have an hour or two to explore your town alone. Either way, doing something different triggers neural connections in the brain that strengthen the ability to stay on task.
Caring for older adults can be an overwhelming responsibility. However, hiring a professional caregiver is one of the best ways to reduce your caregiving burden to focus on your own wellbeing. Although it may be challenging to find reliable, highly rated senior home care, Rhode Island families can turn to Home Care Assistance. Our respite and live-in caregivers are expertly trained to assist seniors with a wide array of important tasks, including cooking, bathing, light housekeeping, and exercise. Home Care Assistance can be your trusted partner when your loved one needs help with the challenges of aging. Call us today at (401) 284-0979 to learn about our high-quality in-home care services.