How to Stay Mentally Healthy as a Family Caregiver
Caregiver in Islip NY
If you’re able to stay on top of your own mental health, it’s easier for you to be the family caregiver that your elderly loved one needs. You’ll have to take those steps, though, since no one can take
them for you.
Deal with Overwhelm Right Away
As soon as you start feeling overwhelmed, that’s your mind’s way of letting you know that you need to stop, slow down, and assess what’s going on. Overwhelm is a type of early warning system that allows you to step back and get a handle on your situation. Ignoring feelings of overwhelm doesn’t help them. What it does is allow them to grow farther out of control.
Find Support for Yourself
Having your own support network is essential for a family caregiver. Find friends, family members, and other people who understand what you’re dealing with and what to do to help you. If you’re not already a member of any support groups, it’s a good idea to find one that is a good fit for you. A mix of online and in person support groups can help you to find a wide variety of different people who can help you.
Focus on What’s Truly Important
You won’t be able to do everything that you want to do every day. The sooner you can accept that fact, the better for your mental health. Instead, focus on what is actually important and the rest can be done another time or you can delegate it. If you’re having trouble learning to delegate, start out with smaller tasks and work your way up to delegating larger ones.
Be Specific about What You Need from Others
When you do ask for help, be very specific about what you need help with. Most of the time, people who don’t reach out to you to offer help don’t understand what you need. The more specific you are, the better they can actually meet those needs for you. As you become better at asking for help, you’ll realize that there are actually plenty of people in your life who want to help but haven’t been sure how to go about it.
If you need extra help managing your own mental health, don’t be afraid to reach out. Find a therapist or counselor that you trust to help you get back on track.
If you or an aging loved one are considering caregiver services in Islip, NY, please contact the caring staff at Family First Home Companions. Serving all of Long Island. Call today: (631) 319-3961
Jennifer has specialized training in Alzheimer’s disease through the Long Island Alzheimer’s Association and the Long Island Alzheimer’s Foundation.She also volunteered her time with the Alzheimer's Disease Assistance Center of Long Island for 3 years by providing cognitive stimulation to an Alzheimer’s patient group.
Jennifer educates the community about elder care and speaks to caregiver support groups, senior centers, and at professional organizations.Topics include home safety, effective strategies for family caregiving, elder care planning, and awareness about elder abuse.
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