Health and wellness month: the importance of self-care
Par Family Councils Ontario
In this week’s entry in our health and wellness month series, we’re turning our attention to a topic that is essential yet not often talked about: self-care. As caregivers and Family Council members, we spend much of our time and energy caring for others. That takes its toll. While we cannot escape the reality and accompanying challenges of caregiving, we can find ways to care for ourselves that are supportive, nourishing, and help us in our role as caregivers.
While much of the research on caregiver stress relates to those caring for someone at home or in the community, we know that families and friends continue to provide care to their loved one living in LTC and that this has impacts on the caregiver. Home-based caregivers frequently experience stress, anxiety, fatigue, depression, disturbed sleep, loneliness, and loss of appetite.1 While not all caregivers of LTC residents will experiences these symptoms, they are likely prevalent enough to be worth looking out for within yourself and in the other families. By being mindful of our own reactions and feelings, we can take better care of ourselves and be better positioned to support others.
Here are a few ways that caregivers can practice self-care to support wellness:
- Peer support: One of the most valuable aspects of a Family Council is peer support. Through involvement in a Family Council, residents’ family members and friends have the opportunity to speak openly about their experiences and give and receive support. In the opening sharing session or throughout and between meetings, Council members can provide affirmation, information, emotional support, and perhaps even practical support when appropriate. Family Council involvement is an excellent way to care for yourself as a caregiver.
- Eat, drink, and be merry: An essential aspect of self-care is making sure that your body and attitude are as healthy as possible. Make time to eat healthy food that you enjoy, stay hydrated, and maintain a positive attitude as much as possible. A little bit of humour can go a long way toward a healthy outlook, so consider ways to maintain a sense of humour and seek out things that make you smile or laugh.
- Be active: Engage in physical and social activities that keep you healthy and happy. Taking care of your physical and social needs will keep you healthier and more able to weather the challenges that come with caregiving. If your favourite hobbies and activities have fallen by the wayside, consider taking time to nourish your spirit by re-engaging with them. Call or visit with a friend or seek out a new social group to support your need for connection and community.
- Learn: Lack of knowledge or understanding about the conditions your loved one is living with can be a source of fear and stress. The home staff and your fellow family members can be great sources of knowledge about health issues affecting LTC residents. Seek out information on your loved one’s health issues and ask questions to gain a realistic understanding of the current situation and the future.
- Be kind to yourself: Caregiving, even when you are no longer providing hands-on daily care, can be challenging. Be kind to yourself and accept that there will be times when you feel overwhelmed, stressed, upset, angry, relieved, depressed, or a range of other emotions. Understand that even when you want to put all of your energy into caring for your loved one, you may not always be able to. Treat yourself with the same kindness and understanding that you would a fellow Council member.
For information on peer support and caregiving, read these past blog posts:
The Power of Peer Support: Engaging families, changing lives!
Caregiving: Tips and Resources
Stay tuned next week as we explore more aspects of health and wellness.
Source:
1: The Change Foundation. “A Profile of Family Caregivers in Ontario”. http://www.changefoundation.ca/profile-of-family-caregivers-ontario/