When a loved one becomes more frail or dependent on outside care due to an illness or injury, it is often family members who step up first to help out. If you are a caregiver for someone in your own family, it is important to take time to care for yourself. Often, family caregivers are sleep deprived, have poor eating habits, don’t get regular exercise, and don’t keep their own medical check up appointments. It is crucial to stay healthy especially if caring for another.
The Alzheimer’s Association offers a free online PDF listing filled with suggested reading for becoming a caregiver. The selection of books includes advice for grooming, continence care, nutrition and other aspects of caregiving that might not otherwise come naturally. Some of the other books offer suggestions on how to encourage the use of existing abilities and how to plan for the future.
There are some helpful books that will guide a family caregiver toward taking time and care for themselves. There are many books out there that offer up tips and advice for those who wish to start providing care for a loved one. Even those who care for family members need some help with how to manage time and remember to ask for help. According to studies, reading can greatly reduce stress, and a book filled with suggestions for further reduction in stress can be especially helpful for a hardworking caregiver.
Another helpful book listed on popular shopping sites is “Helping Yourself Help Others: A Book for Caregivers” by Rosalyn Carter. This book is helpful in offering practical solutions to avoid burnout, isolation and anger that are typical problems among caregivers. Her personal experience with caring for her aging father and grandfather will be insightful and helpful for those who are considering offering caregiving assistance to a family member.
For some up-lifting stories about caregiving, a good read with at least 100 stories, look up “Chicken Soup for the Soul; Family Caregivers”, edited by Joan Lunden and Amy Newmark. These stories are sure to warm the heart and bring some comfort to a family caregiver who might feel a bit of burnout. It is often reported caregivers will feel worn out and exhausted from the daily hard work involved with caring for family member. Reading stories of success and the joys of caring for an elderly loved one is sure to reinvigorate.
Not only are there excellent books out there to help new caregivers, a quick online search can provide much needed tools for preparation as well. A simple web search can pull up many resources that will make coping and learning to assist an elderly loved one feasible and a little less daunting.
Those who spend their days caring for another person, whether they are family or not, are a very special kind of people. They sacrifice their time and energy to make sure another person is properly cared for on a daily basis. Being a caregiver can be exhausting and fulfilling, all at once. Caregivers need to remember to take time to recharge and regroup. It’s important to maintain balance between providing care for others and taking a break for personal relaxation. When caring for a family member requires some respite, there are trusted caregivers from Senior Helpers of Florence who can be there to relieve the family caregiver for rest, appointments and just a much-needed break. Senior Helpers of Florence provides care in all areas of Ft. Mitchell, Edgewood, Crestview Hills, Union, Villa Hills. If you would like to learn more about caring and consistent in home care for seniors, along with the many benefits of professional live in care for the elderly, or dementia and Alzheimer’s care, call Senior Helpers of Florence to speak to a senior care specialist 859-283-5500. The compassionate senior care specialists at Senior Helpers can also guide you through the process of receiving the Veterans Administration Aid and Attendance Benefit if your elderly loved one is a veteran. In home senior care allows your loved one to stay in the comforts of their own home for as long as possible while receiving the level of care they need. Senior Helpers provides a wide range of services including Alzheimer’s and dementia care, personal assistance, companionship, and so much more to all areas of Ft. Mitchell, Edgewood, Crestview Hills, Union, Villa Hills.