Practice Self-Care: The Toll: Consequences of Caregiver Stress
Proven, practical self-care practices that preserve a caregiver’s health, well-being & capacity to care
Recognizing universal caregiver needs
1. Practical, Problem-Solving Resources:
Information, skills, and resources to do the work of caregiving. Links or referrals; answers to questions, guidance on solving problems; help with specific tasks or challenges. New skills required for effective functioning as a caregiver or in other roles. People who will provide hands-on help.
2. Positive Personal Energy:
A caregiver’s resilience and well-being is based on self-awareness and the regular practice of healthy self-care. Positive energy and resilience are developed and nurtured by thoughts, attitudes, and actions that protect and restore positive energy. Meeting adversity with optimism. Protecting good health. Cultivating social support and spiritual practices. Nurturing all parts of self
3. Partners on the Path:
Connecting to compassionate, effective, and reliable caregiving partners. Cultivating a community of support that includes family, friends, and fellow-caregivers; professionals, work colleagues, neighbors, and faith-community members. These care partners recognize when a caregiver needs support. They respond when a caregiver reaches out to ask for assistance. By recognizing and responding to a caregiver’s needs, these partners provide support and assurance that the caregivers aren’t alone on their caregiving journey.
References, Resources, and Links
Caregiver Concerns: I feel so exhausted
Making it Personal: Activities for Caregivers
Next Chapter: A Holistic, Personalized, and Restorative Necessity