By Greg Pascucci
According to the National Alliance for Caregiving and AARP, there are 53 million family caregivers in the United States. November is Family Caregivers Month, designed to honor the dedicated and compassionate individuals who care for a disabled child, an aging spouse or a parent with a prolonged illness. With one in four caregivers spending 41 hours or more per week providing care, it is critical to maintaining a balanced lifestyle to ensure the health of both the caregiver and the person requiring care.
Here are a few tips for caring the caregiver:
Practice Self-Care
Caregivers are often selfless and tend to put themselves last. However, taking care of yourself physically, mentally and emotionally is essential to being the best version of yourself for your loved one. While caregivers may shy away from indulgences such as a spa day, self-care can be as simple as going for a walk or catching up with a friend over coffee.
The Carlisle Naples, an active retirement community, is home to many spousal caregivers. With a dedicated, supportive staff in place, residents have the peace of mind of knowing assistance is available should they need some downtime. Plus, there is always a friendly, caring neighbor to visit with or enjoy a meal together. Research shows these small steps can be key to avoiding caregiver burnout.
Be Open to Accepting Help
Caregiving can take a toll on even the strongest person. From scheduling doctors’ appointments to refilling prescriptions to taking care of activities of daily living, providing care for a family member is exhausting. You don’t have to be Superman or Superwoman; ask for help and be willing to accept the help of a friend or relative. Support groups are also a great way to learn how others cope and to get helpful tips and resources.
The marketing team at The Carlisle often meets with prospective residents who feel guilty admitting their caregiving responsibilities negatively impact their health – physically and mentally. A senior living community offers a great solution. With much of the day-to-day tasks handled by the community, the caregiver finds he or she has much more quality time to spend with a spouse. The partner who needs assistance can also let go of their false guilt for “being a burden.”
Stay Connected
Caregivers often lament their social circles get smaller with each year they spend providing care to a loved one. And, though friends may hesitate to extend an invite, research finds much of the isolation is caused by the caregiver withdrawing from their previous habits and lifestyle. Experts recommend staying connected to family and friends – even virtually – and chatting about things unrelated to caregiving. The Internet and social media are effective tools for maintaining relationships, and online support groups – typically active 24/7 – are great ways to meet others with shared experiences.
Seniors are often delighted to find their social circles expand upon a move to a retirement community. There’s always something to do and someone to do it with. Even for caregiving spouses, there are ways to connect with neighbors and help alleviate the loneliness often associated with caregiving. Whether it’s the smile of a neighbor in the hallway or the kindness of a new friend dropping by to sit with you after an especially tough day, there’s no shortage of love and support.
“At The Carlisle, residents know they are never alone, and there’s an entire team dedicated to their health, safety and wellbeing. This can be especially meaningful for residents caring for an ill spouse,” said Executive Director Bill Diamond. “It’s what we call the ‘Power of We;” coming together as one big extended family to truly be there for each other.”
Located at 6945 Carlisle Court in Naples, The Carlisle offers independent and assisted living lifestyles featuring spacious one-and two-bedroom residences, weekly housekeeping and flat linen services, basic cable TV, all utilities except telephone, and delicious dining with daily, chef-prepared specials. The community is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF), an important distinction that provides residents with the assurance that the highest standards of quality care, services and safeguards are maintained. For more information about the community, please call 239-221-0017 or visit www.TheCarlisleNaples.com.
Luxury Rental Retirement Living
6945 Carlisle Court, Naples, FL 34109
239-221-0017 . www.TheCarlisleNaples.com