You take care of your mom, but are you taking care of yourself too? Many family caregivers skip the things they need and focus solely on their parents, and that’s never a good idea. It leads to burnout.

It’s time to take care of yourself, and that’s what self-care is. It’s doing things that help you stay mentally, emotionally, and physically healthy. Here’s what you need to do.

Nourish Your Body

When you eat meals, are they rushed takeout or home-cooked healthy ones? Self-care starts with the right nutrients. Eat lean proteins, including plenty of seafood, and whole grains. Barley, quinoa, and bulgur are great choices. Make sure you’re eating the recommended five servings of fruits and vegetables and foods that are rich in calcium like yogurt and cottage cheese.

Keep sugar intake to a minimum. Lower your salt intake, and avoid foods that are high in saturated fat. As your diet improves, you’ll likely find yourself feeling better and having more energy.

Get Daily Exercise

Exercise helps you feel better. Get outside for a daily walk. The fresh air and sun will help you ease stress and frustration. If the weather isn’t cooperating, walk around your house. Go up and down the stairs and get a workout that way. If you have a treadmill or exercise bike, use it.

You Need to Ask for Help

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, make sure you ask for help. Reach out to your siblings, cousins, and close family friends. If that’s not an option, talk to the area Agency on Aging services to see if there are options in your area to help you.

Join a Support Group

Caring for an aging parent is stressful, sad, frustrating, and so much more. Make sure you’re in a support group and surrounded by others who understand what you’re experiencing. In addition to family caregiver support groups, there are disease-specific support groups that you should consider.

For example, your dad has Alzheimer’s disease and he often flies into a rage. It’s hard to take his verbal and physical abuse, and you don’t know what to do anymore. Reach out to a support group for the emotional and mental support that you so desperately need.

Take Time Off and Schedule Home Care Services

Take time off as much as you need to. If you’re burned out, you might find yourself disinterested in helping your dad at all. Don’t feel bad if this happens. Let a home care aide take over until you’re mentally and physically strong enough to return to your role as a family caregiver.

Home care aides can help your dad with daily chores, remind him to take medications, help him with personal care, and drive him around. The list is extensive. Call a specialist to learn more about everything a caregiver can do.

If you or an aging loved one are considering home care in Stephenville, TX, please contact the caring staff at Clear Path Home Care today. Call (817) 631-7710

Clear Path Home Care provides compassionate, high quality home care in Parker County, Tarrant County, Johnson County, Hood County, Somervell County, Erath County, Bosque County and Hamilton County in Texas.

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Clear Path Home Care Staff

Staff at Clear Path Home Care

Clear Path Home Care offers a unique Total Care Management system to optimize each client’s happiness and wellbeing utilizing our carefully vetted Senior Advisory team. We provide coordination between families and all aspects of elder care needs, which may include Home Health, Hospice, Physicians, Hospitals, Skilled Nursing Facilities, or Assisted Living Facilities. Personal care consists of help with activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, grooming, eating, and transferring.

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