Care for the Caregivers

Sometimes in the health care industry, the job we love doesn’t always love us back. With long hours, demanding work schedules, and occasionally caring for challenging individuals, the toll can be taxing on the our health. When it comes to providing great care, it is important to look out for ourselves as much as we do our clients and patients, so that we can remain in optimal health for our job and family.

Stress in any environment is counter productive and can lead to illness. There are several ways to reduce stress in your daily routine, whether it’s dealing with work, school, family, or your commute in-between. Here are some tips from Great Care, on how to care for you, the caregiver.

Talk with other caregivers. It’s important to express yourself, and when you’re under a lot of pressure, venting can help relieve pressure in the same way a vent releases steam from a pot. Part of talking is listening; gaining another perspective from someone you trust is a great way to learn and grow as a caregiver and individual.

Take good care of yourself. Smart health makes a smart brain and your health begins with you. Eating a nutritional diet helps your brain function better. When you have the favor of a well balanced diet your body and mind will react to stress a lot better. If you don’t have a lot of time to prepare your meals, try to prepare healthy meals ahead of time so you can easily grab them on the go, or pack them for the day ahead of you.

Ask for help. You’re not in it alone. You are likely surrounded by co-workers who care about you and are willing to help when you feel overwhelmed. When you are home and work is causing you stress, ask someone close to you for help so you can take some time away from other responsibilities so you can focus on yourself.

Get plenty of rest. Allowing yourself the adequate amount of sleep you need may be difficult if you are burning the match from both ends. Learn to prioritize your schedule so you can get the full amount of sleep your body deserves. Sleep can have an affect on your mental and physical health, quality of life, as well as your safety and the safety of those you are entrusted to care for. How well you are rested has an impact on how well you think, work, respond, and how well you get along with those you come in contact with during your day.

Keep your sense of humor. It’s not always easy to laugh, and sometimes laughter doesn’t come until we are afforded hindsight. Laughter, however, is good for us, not only does it improve our moods, it releases tension, can redirect someone else’s mood, and it helps stimulates the brain, it helps reduce stress too. Health care providers deal with people who are sick; humor can benefit both the caregiver and anyone else they can enlighten if they stay in good humor.

Exercise. Even if you feel like you’re always busy, seven minutes a day can impact your stress level more than zero minutes of exercise. Walking has the same health benefits as running, if it’s possible, encourage your client or patient to join you for a walk. If work requires to you sit a lot, find chair exercises you can do to help stretch your muscles and oxygenate your brain.

Be good to yourself. Be positive about who you are and what you do. Take time out to spoil yourself for all the hard work you do to take care of others. Most importantly, take care of your mind and body, so your body and mind will take care of you.

About Julie Sullivan

Julie Sullivan is the Owner at GreatCare of Indianapolis IN.
GreatCare is a licensed, personal services agency, providing in-home care services to the Indianapolis, Indiana and surrounding areas. We serve the personal health and daily care needs of seniors or individuals who prefer to stay at home, but require assistance with everyday activities, such as dressing, personal hygiene, meal preparation, laundry or errands. Our team of certified nurse aids and home health aids can provide you with personalized, in-home care services to meet your needs, including:
Daytime hourly in-home care
Temporary or post-hospital respite care
24-hour, around-the-clock home care
Morning and evening care
Overnight / Slumber care
In addition, we offer our Care Compass service, to assist in setting the course for the next stage in your loved ones life. We guide you through the currents of aging, and help you find your true north. Our licensed nurses, with experience in hospice and geriatric care, will help guide you through the complex and often sensitive journey of selecting an in-home care service, and will provide a smooth transition to a new way of life for your loved one, without the anxiety and fear.

Our current nursing and management team has more than 75 years of combined experience in the home healthcare services industry. All of our caregivers are bonded, insured and screened thoroughly, so you know you’ll be receiving the greatest care possible. That’s why we stand by our mission: to deliver the same, quality care we expect for ourselves and our loved ones.
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