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Remember to Care for Yourself While You Are a Caregiver in the Orlando, Florida Area

Are you a Guardian? Are you a caregiver of an individual in the Orlando, Florida Area? Are you taking care of a sick friend or relative? Are you caring for a relative with Dementia or Alzheimer’s? This can be a full-time all-consuming job. You may be lucky to sleep. 

Many people are doing this while working a full-time job and caring for other family members. That can be very stressful. Those people are more likely to put other members in their own family’s needs above their own. Many times, that individual will neglect their own health and well-being in order that they may dedicate more time to their sick relative. Thereby, that individual is too busy caring for someone else, to care for their self.

Remember to care for yourself. You might say there is not enough time in the day to do everything. You probably do not exercise because you do not have time for yourself. You probably cut back on your needed sleep because there are not enough hours in the day to do everything. You may feel overwhelmed and stressed because of all you do. That is natural.

However, remember, if you are sick and run down from overdoing it, you cannot be effective at what you are doing. Therefore, you need to make sure you care for yourself. Here are a few things you can do to ease your tension and stress.

1. DON’T BE AFRAID TO ASK FOR HELP. When someone offers to help you, take them up on their offer.

2. KEEP ON TOP OF YOUR CAREGIVING SKILLS. There are books and online materials that can aid you at what you are doing as a caregiver. Take advantage of those resources.

3. SEEK REGULAR RESPITE CARE. Look into volunteer organizations, day care programs, and residential respite care facilities so you can take a much-needed break.

4. PLAN FOR YOUR OWN CARE. See your health care provider for regular check-ups and check yourself for signs and symptoms of excessive stress.

5. MAKE TIME TO PLAY FOR AT LEAST 30 MINUTES. Include your loved ones in short walks, board games, or puzzles.

6. LOOK AT THE FUNNY SIDE OF LIFE. Laughter is a well-known antidote to stress, sadness, and illness.

7. BROADEN YOUR INDOOR HORIZON. Try something new. Challenge yourself to learn a new skill while you are on the job.

8. FIND A SUPPORT GROUP THAT SUITS YOUR NEEDS. Connecting with others that know first-hand what you are going through will remind you that you are not alone.

9. TALK TO SOMEONE WHO IS A GOOD LISTENER. Talk to someone about how you feel and what you are going through-a friend, family member, clergy member, or therapist.

If you have more questions regarding a Guardainship matter, you may call Ann Marie Giordano Gilden at Ann Marie Giordano Gilden, P.A. at 407-732-7620 and set an initial consultation. You may also visit my website at: https//: www.AnnMarieGildenLaw.com

This article is for informational purposes only; and it does not form an attorney client privilege.