Who could imagine that spending so much time taking care of another person could also make you feel incredibly alone? The reality is that caregiver isolation is extremely common, for a number of reasons:
• Mental or physical exhaustion: you are simply too drained to want to socialize
• Guilt over enjoying time away from the person in your care
• Resentment toward those whose lives seem so much simpler
• And much more
Whatever the source of the isolation you may be feeling as a caregiver, it’s crucial to take measures to overcome it. Social isolation can bring about serious health concerns, including heart disease, depression, stroke, high blood pressure, and problems with attention and memory, just to name a few.
Our home care specialists recommend starting today with implementing one or more of the following suggestions to help alleviate feelings of caregiver isolation:
- Start the day with a positive mindset. It might take some effort to start with if you have been feeling down for some time. A terrific way to begin is with 15 minutes of energy-boosting activity. Make it something satisfying, rather than an additional chore to add to your routine, like jumping on a small trampoline or following along with an upbeat exercise video.
- Tell friends and family how you feel. People may assume you’re too busy in your caregiving role to want to spend time with them. Let them know you’re feeling isolated and lonely and would welcome some company.
- Start conversations with strangers. It’s amazing how such a simple thing as talking with someone while in the grocery store checkout line can raise your spirits. Offer a compliment, for example, how pretty the person’s dress is, or commiserate on the need to unload your purchases in the drenching rain.
- Watch how you talk to yourself. Your internal dialogue plays an enormous role on your mood. Pay attention to your thoughts. If they are consistently negative or loaded with worries and anxiety, try intentionally shifting your mindset. Find three positive things to be thankful for and concentrate on those. When the negativity creeps back in, think of three more. It might take some effort in the beginning but will soon become second nature.
- Find a caregiver support group. You may be surprised to realize how many people feel the same as you do. In supporting and encouraging each other, you will have the opportunity to make some new friends who can understand and empathize with the journey you’re on.
Needless to say, introducing more socialization into your life as a caregiver isn’t easy. It requires finding a trusted source for respite from your caregiving tasks to enable you to step away and take care of your own needs. Thankfully, Indepdendence-4-Seniors Home Care has the ideal solution with professional in-home care in La Grange and the surrounding areas. Contact us at (630) 323-4665, and together we can formulate a plan to guarantee the best care for the senior you love, and a healthier life balance for you as well.