April marks the start of Stress Awareness Month, which is a time dedicated to raising awareness about stress and how it can impact on our mental and physical wellbeing.
For family members caring for a loved one, the demands of caregiving can become increasingly challenging, leading to heightened levels of stress.
Recognising and managing this stress is crucial for both the wellbeing of carers and those they care for.
We have created a list of self-care tips that are specially designed and tailored for individual carers, helping them to navigate their roles with resilience and compassion.
Take time out for yourself
It is vital you take time out for yourself if you are caring for someone else.
Dedicate a part of your day to do things that you enjoy, whether it’s:
- Reading
- Listening to music
- Meditation
These moments can provide a much-needed break and help when recharging your batteries and will ensure you continue to administer the best support necessary.
Be mindful of what you eat
A balanced diet, combined with correct hydration, can boost your energy levels and overall health, making it easier to cope with stress should you encounter it when looking after someone with particular health needs.
It is important to ensure someone with a complex care condition receives the right care, but it is just as important that you do too.
Set realistic goals
It is important to understand that you, as a carer, will be doing the best you can when looking after an individual with complex requirements.
Remember to set achievable goals for both your caregiving responsibilities and personal achievements as this will help to reduce stress and ensure you are relaxed as you continue your caregiving journey.
Seek support
Reach out to support groups where you can share your experiences and feelings with others who are facing similar situations to you.
You are not alone as a carer, and when dealing with stress, so these groups can help to combat your emotional challenges and create a better mental wellbeing for you.
There are lots of support groups available, including:
It’s important to not shy away from seeking additional support to care for your loved one as well.
Coping with complex care needs can be challenging, but you don’t need to do it alone.
We offer tailored complex care services to ensure our client’s, and their families’, specific needs are met along with supporting their lifestyles choices.
We explore the client, their family, and commissioners’ issues when developing their care packages.
This information, combined with a full clinical assessment of their needs and risk assessments, means we can select appropriate staff who are trained, qualified and experienced in supporting maximum independence and quality of life.
Getting support whilst you care for complex care needs will not only improve your client’s quality of life and their wellbeing but also provide you with the reassurance you need that your loved one’s best interests are in mind.
Why do you need to make your self-care a priority?
For individual carers, prioritising your self-care as you care for someone else is essential.
By taking care of your own mental and physical health, you will be better equipped to care for your loved one.
We want to acknowledge the challenges carers face and wish to remind them of the importance of self-care in the caregiving journey.
At Almond Care, we understand the importance of caring for your mental wellbeing as well as caring for the needs of an individual with a complex care condition.
To learn more about how you can prioritise your self-care as a carer, please get in touch with a member of our friendly team today or call 024 7610 2333.
