After spending many weeks or months caring for your senior loved one, you may not know what to do during your downtime. Regular breaks are essential for the prevention of caregiver burnout, and making the most of your free time could help you provide a higher level of care to your loved one. Consider trying the following things during your next caregiving break.
1. Schedule a Massage
From helping your loved one bathe to lifting him or her out of bed, there are various caregiving duties that can impact your muscles. Your body may need a gentle massage to ease away the pain caused by overused muscles. The power of human touch may also generate positive feelings.
Caring for a senior loved one can be a physically exhausting task, especially if it is managed alone. Those who need help caring for a senior loved one can turn to Embrace In-Home Care, a leading provider of 24/7 home care, Green Valley families can rely on. Services available in our customizable care plans include meal prep, mental and social stimulation, assistance with personal hygiene tasks, and much more.
2. Visit a Caregiver Support Group
You can utilize your downtime to enhance your ability to provide care to your loved one. In caregiver support groups, you will find a wealth of resources on how to manage common challenges that occur during your day. Since most support groups meet on a regular basis, you may need to arrange for respite care so you can attend meetings that fill you with a sense of positivity.
If you are the primary caregiver for a senior family member and you need respite care, Green Valley, Arizona, Embrace In-Home Care is here to help. Our respite caregivers are trained to assist older adults with a wide variety of everyday tasks, including meal prep, physical activity, and personal hygiene. We also provide 24-hour care and specialized care for seniors with Alzheimer’s, dementia, and Parkinson’s.
3. Do Something New
Self-improvement is a great way to boost confidence, and it is possible you’ve put off a few of your interests to provide better care to your loved one. Now that you have some time off, consider pursuing a passion. Take a cooking class or learn a new foreign language. Pursuing a new hobby is an enjoyable task you can manage during your downtime.
4. Catch Up with an Old Friend
Social isolation is a serious concern for caregivers who may lose touch with people when their loved ones require a large amount of care. Go online and look up a former classmate, or just invite your best friend over for lunch. Engaging in social situations can lift your spirits and help you maintain a wider network of support.
5. Go for a Hike
Spending time in nature has a relaxing effect on the mind, and you can maximize the benefits of exercise by planning a hike in the wilderness. Look for hiking trails near your area and plan a day trip. Make sure to bring along a hiking buddy for safety, and enjoy talking as you explore new terrain.
6. Read a Book
Reading is another relaxing pursuit that allows you to give your mind a break from your daily routine. Go to the library and check out a book in your favorite genre. If you really enjoy reading, consider joining a book club.
7. Tackle an Enjoyable Task
Sometimes it may be difficult to just sit back and relax during a break. If you have several tasks to manage even in your break time, consider tackling a chore you’ll actually enjoy. Whether your bedroom needs a fresh coat of paint or you really like organizing your closet, managing some household tasks may give you the same feeling of refreshment as a vacation.
Consider hiring a professional caregiver if you need a break from your caregiving duties to pursue favorite activities. Families looking to hire a Green Valley caregiver can reach out to Embrace In-Home Care. All of our hourly and live-in caregivers receive extensive ongoing training to ensure they provide the high-quality in-home care seniors need and deserve. To learn about our high-quality in-home care plans, give us a call at (520) 625-2050 today.