Are you feeling overwhelmed or constantly worried, sad or tired? Anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in America, and as a caregiver, you may be too focused on caring for your parent to realize that your own health and well-being are suffering. It’s likely that you’re experiencing caregiver anxiety and are feeling overwhelmed by caring for your parent. The following tips will help you to manage your caregiver anxiety and get back to providing the best care possible for your parent.
7 Ways to Manage Caregiver Anxiety
Here are a variety of ways you can work to manage the caregiver anxiety you’re experiencing.
- Focus on What You Can Provide. As a caregiver, it’s normal to feel guilty sometimes, but it’s important to remind yourself that no one is the perfect caregiver. Make sure you believe that you are doing your best to care for your parent and making decisions to the best of your ability.
- Get Connected. Research caregiving resources in your community that you can join. Your community might have classes specifically geared at the disease your parent is facing and allow you to learn more about how to best care for them.
- Set Personal Health Goals. When serving as a caregiver, you may not put your personal well-being as a top priority. It’s imperative that you maintain your own hygiene and keep yourself healthy. A great way to ensure you’re taking care of yourself is to set personal health goals such as establishing a good sleep routine, exercising twice a week and eating a healthy diet.
- Accept Help. It is okay to seek help from others when things get difficult. A friend or family member may be able to help you run an errand, cook a meal for you or provide some assistance to make things easier on you. Make a list of things you’re struggling to accomplish and reach out to others for help when needed.
- Join a Support Group. This is a great way to connect and meet with others that are facing the same challenges you are. A support group can provide validation and encouragement, as well as help you develop problem solving strategies for any difficult situation you may encounter.
- Set Realistic Goals. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when you’re trying to balance your personal life and being a caregiver. Take a look at your weekly task list and break out large tasks into smaller steps that you can complete one at a time. Prioritize your tasks, make organized lists and create a daily routine to ensure you stay productive.
- Know You’re Not Alone. Understand that it’s normal to feel isolated, frustrated and to have a hard time asking for help. Rather than struggling on your own, take advantage of your local resources, friends and family that can help make things easier on you.
Assisted Living Options at Peregrine Senior Living
At Peregrine Senior Living, we know that major life decisions can be challenging for everyone involved. The decision to move your parent into assisted living can be a new adventure for them and can help them receive the proper care they need. If you notice that your parent is having trouble with daily needs, is feeling more isolated and is finding it difficult to make new social connections, it might be time to consider assisted living.
When it comes to our residents, we want the absolute best for them. Part of The Peregrine Way™ means that your parent will be treated as if they were our own family. Contact us today at 315-476-5610 to learn more about what it means to do assisted living The Peregrine Way™.
