Our Top 10 Caregiver Resolutions – 2014

Caregivers of the elderly are often stretched between the responsibilities of managing the care for their aging relative, as well as the care of their own immediate family. So it’s no wonder they often forget to take care of themselves! The year could go by without a caregiver making time for recreation, or a visit to their doctor, or even to the barber for a much-needed trim. Caregivers may rarely receive a “thank you“ for all their hard work because seniors are often in emotional and physical pain and may not be able to interpret the sacrifices being made to take care of them. Morningside Ministries is sharing our list of resolutions for 2014!

1. Get Enough Rest: This is a big one and probably the most obvious – still, many people still aren’t getting enough sleep. Find ways to ensure that you get at least seven or eight hours of sleep. Your body and mind need an adequate amount of time to rest each night so you can feel rejuvenated each morning for your caregiving responsibilities.
2. Make Time for Exercise: Studies show that exercise is a great way to relieve stress and to reinvigorate yourself! If you can’t get motivated to exercise on your own, find an exercise buddy who can help you stick to your commitment of better health.
3. Keep Preventative Care Appointments: It’s important to make and not skip regular doctor appointments (and see the doctor if you’re sick). You can’t give proper care if you are ill and you risk sharing your illness with a loved one if you attempt to do so.
4. Create a Family Support Group: Create a support group of loved ones who provide you with emotional and physical support. The bigger your community circle, the stronger you and your senior will become as a unit.
5. Utilize Resources: Many caregivers don’t take advantage of support available right in their own town. In difficult times, it’s important to have resources you can reach out to immediately to help you cope.
6. Treat Yourself with Kindness: It’s okay to make mistakes. Learn to recover from feelings of guilt or self-criticism. It’s important to remind yourself daily that you’re doing the best you can. Treating yourself with kindness includes forgiving yourself and growing from past situations. It is said in Ephesians 4:32, “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”
7. Take More “You” Time: Make a commitment, every single day, to take five, 10, or 15 minutes to do at least one thing you enjoy or need, such as meditating or listening to music. This sounds like a simple task, but more of us need to practice this in our daily lives. Too often are our days swallowed whole by our responsibilities. Practice making “you” time.
8. Consider What Your Loved One Would Want: It’s easy for caregivers to get lost in their daily responsibilities. Take time each day to remember that the senior is also dealing with feelings of losing their independence or dealing with an illness. Remember who they really are inside and the good things your senior would want for you.
9. Delegate: Don’t be afraid to ask for help when you are feeling overwhelmed. Construct a list of caregiving responsibilities that would help you throughout the New Year. Hand out your list to anyone who can help make your life easier.
10. Give Thanks: When a friend or family member spends time with the elderly loved one you’re caring for, send them a quick thank you note. It will encourage them to help more in the year ahead.