New Year's Resolutions for Family Caregivers in and Around Hot Springs, AR

Caring for an elderly relative, close friend, or acquaintance is a great and selfless deed. But many caregivers in Hot Springs, Hot Springs Village, Fountain Lake, and other parts of Arkansas face problems like exhaustion, resentment toward loved ones or people who haven't been as helpful, and an inability to ask for help.

Consider creating some caregiving-related New Year's resolutions. These goals may be useful for family caregivers in maintaining their own health and vitality while maintaining a positive outlook on caring.

Focus on your accomplishments, not your shortfalls

While caring for an older loved one, caregivers in the Hot Springs area often reflect on their own shortcomings and opportunities for improvement. But if you focus too much on your shortcomings, you may start to feel that your loved one can't put their faith in you and you won't be able to assist them. This might put you at risk for exhaustion and burnout, both of which can have negative effects on your mental health.

Make it a goal to quit beating yourself up and start reveling in your accomplishments. There is always a silver lining, even on the worst of days. Keeping a positive outlook might help you feel more capable of meeting the demands of caring and providing for your loved one.

Cherish family and friends who have supported you as a caregiver

It's natural to experience resentment at the people in your life who might help you take care of a loved one but refuse to do so when you're the one responsible for the well-being of an elderly family member. Negative feelings like anger and bitterness can make it hard to remember the good things people have done for you.

Make a decision to always appreciate the kindness of others around you. Your siblings may have stepped in to help out while you took some time for yourself. Some of your neighbors may have helped you out with food and other necessities. You may have vented to your closest friends about how much you're struggling as a caregiver. Show those who have assisted you how much you appreciate their efforts.

Spend more quality time with your senior loved one

Spending extra time with a loved one is one reward of being a family caregiver. When you devote your life to meeting the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of another person, it's easy to develop resentment and a lack of perspective. It's also simple to forget how much they've contributed to your life's success and how much you value them. They're not just a responsibility; they may be your mother, father, sister, brother, or closest friend.

Commit to spending more quality time with your senior loved one this year. Instead of focusing on what they need help with, spend time with them doing something they love or something you both enjoy doing together. For example, you may spend the day with your loved one at the Garland County Library, recommend some books you've liked reading recently, or propose they establish a book club with some of their neighbors. By doing so, you may remind yourself that the person you are caring for is also someone you love.

Make time for your own needs

In caring for others, family members frequently neglect their own needs. When you put so much effort into meeting someone else's needs, it's easy to forget about your own. Maybe you feel guilty about treating yourself to some alone time.

But caring for oneself is neither cruel nor self-centered. It's important for caregivers in Hot Springs, Hot Springs Village, Fountain Lake, and the surrounding areas to take care of themselves as much as their loved ones. Burnout is common among family caregivers, especially if they don't take time to decompress from the emotional and physical demands of their job. If you're a caregiver, putting your own needs first may help you provide better care for others. Your psychological, emotional, and physical health all matter. Everybody benefits from taking a break and unwinding every once in a while.

Make a pact with yourself to focus more on your own wellbeing. Recharge your batteries by doing something you like, hanging out with friends and family, or getting a good night's sleep. Schedule checks with your doctor and resolve to improve your health.

Self-care may also include setting boundaries for oneself. Learn to accept your limits and confidently decline responsibilities that exceed your capabilities. Overextending oneself to win over others seldom ends well, leaving one exhausted and disillusioned.

Hire a professional in-home caregiver from Visiting Angels of Hot Springs

When you're the primary caregiver for a family member, it might be hard to ask for help. However, asking for help does not mean you are weak or incapable of providing care. Everyone needs a helping hand sometimes, and that's when it's most important to make use of available resources.

If your loved one's health has deteriorated to the point that you can't handle care on your own, or if you just need some time for self-care, consider hiring a professional in-home caregiver from Visiting Angels of Hot Springs. Put your faith in us to provide your aging loved one the care they need to be in their own home as long as possible. Our respite care services can assist your loved one with any and all of life's mundane tasks, including but not limited to, cooking, cleaning, and running errands. Also, our caregivers can keep a close eye on your loved one and let you know if they see any unusual changes in their behavior or health.

With Visiting Angels of Hot Springs on your side, you can rest easy knowing that your loved one is in good care. You shouldn't worry since there's always a kind caregiver around to provide the support your loved one needs.

Call our Hot Springs, AR, office at 501-222-3493 to schedule a free in-home consultation today!