It can be easy to forget about your own health needs when your job is to care for others. Informal caregiving, also known as unpaid or family caregiving, is meaningful work. But there are physical, emotional, and financial challenges that often come with the job, and they can impact your health and ability to care for others if not addressed. Follow these tips for ways to reduce the impact of common caregiving stressors and improve the quality of care you provide.
Emotional supports
It’s common to feel drained, stressed, or “burnt out” from the constant demands of caregiving. According to McKinsey, 37% of adult caregivers report high burnout symptoms such as mental and emotional strain, exhaustion, and feelings of detachment. Respite care is a supportive service that enables caregivers to have time off from their duties, whether it’s for a few hours or several days. In addition to providing time to relax and reset, respite care also offers peace of mind in knowing that your loved one’s care is in good hands. This support can take place at home, an adult day center, or a care facility. According to The American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, even a few hours of respite a week can improve a caregiver’s well-being. Respite care may be provided at a low cost by nonprofit agencies, like your local Area Agency on Aging, or even a trusted family member or friend.
Joining a support group is another effective way to ease emotional stressors that can result from regularly providing care. Connecting with others who understand the demands of the work you do can bring comfort and companionship. It is also a great way to get caregiving advice that could help you on the job. Visit MyPlaceCT’s Family Caregivers page for more information about online or local in-person support groups you can be part of.
Financial supports
According to AARP, the average family caregiver spends about $7,200 per year on out-of-pocket caregiving expenses. Many caregivers must tap into their personal savings, take out a loan, or borrow from family and friends to afford care for their loved one and themselves. As a caregiver, there are actions you can take to reduce financial strain, such as when filing taxes. The “Credit for Other Dependents” lets you claim up to $500 as a nonrefundable credit for other dependents, including parents in your care. You could also increase your standard tax deduction by adding a dependent relative onto your taxes and filing as head of household, as long as you are a single taxpayer or married but living apart from your spouse. A parent does not need to live with you for you to claim head of household status but any other relative must have lived with you for at least half of the tax year.
The National Family Caregiver Support Program is another financial resource available to caregivers. This program can provide services such as respite care, minor home modifications, and personal emergency response device installation and maintenance. If you’re interested in applying for this program, call 1-800-994-9422 to be connected with your local Area Agency on Aging.
Physical supports
Your quality of sleep impacts the quality of the care you provide. According to the National Library of Medicine, caregivers are more likely to report getting less than 7 hours of sleep in a day than non-caregivers. It also found that the risk of getting less sleep increases when caregivers work for longer hours. Following a sleep schedule that allows you to get a full rest will boost your health and energy levels, allowing you to provide the best care possible.
Proper nutrition is another way you can support your health and energy on the job. However, urgent or tiring caregiving tasks can sometimes put your mealtimes on the backburner. Preparing meals in advance, also known as meal prepping, removes the extra time needed to cook or go buy food while at work. This way you can take full advantage of any free time you have to eat since your food will be ready to go! And cooking well-balanced meals (e.g., whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean meats) ensures that you get all the nutrients you need to stay healthy.
Your footwear can also affect your physical fitness and ability to provide care. Caregiving often requires hours of standing but the right footwear will ensure your stability and comfort on the job. Look for shoes that are slip-resistant, cushioned, and long-lasting.
Dedicating most of your time to helping others is a selfless choice that positively changes lives. Taking actions toward better health improves your ability to help others achieve better care. Visit My Place CT’s Caregiver Resource page for other resources and materials designed to help you make a meaningful impact.
