When we are young we take for granted that there is someone there to help us with every little detail of our lives. Our parents will ensure that we are looked after, have a roof over our heads, food to eat and things to enjoy doing. As we get older we start to see the sacrifices our parents made as we start our own families. We learn that we have to be responsible, and take care of others and we enjoy our lives in the very best way that we can. However, health can deteriorate, no matter how well you take care of yourself in your youth, and your parents or elderly relatives may need an extra hand. So how do you ensure you do what you can to take care of yourself while taking care of them? Here are some of the things to think about.
Extra things on your to do list leaving you feeling stressed
There is no hiding from the fact that having extra things on your to do list can have you feeling stressed and anxious. Life can already feel pretty hectic. You have your work to do, a family perhaps to look after, and then to add into the mix taking care of an older relative that might require financial help as well as time. This can cause you to meltdown if you don’t plan things carefully. Try and ensure that you manage your time carefully to avoid feeling stressed and overwhelmed.
Not taking care of yourself
One of the biggest factors that can affect you personally is the lack of self care that you reward yourself. The problem you have is that you can’t help others without taking care of yourself, otherwise you are just asking for problems. A big tip would be to ensure that you what you can take better care of yourself. It might be simply eating properly and having a balanced diet, scheduling in time to be active and get some exercise or just ensuring you have a few moments a day to gather your thoughts and look after your mental health.
Having to make big decisions on somebody else’s behalf
Making big decisions for yourself personally is no easy thing to do, as you weigh up the pros and cons on how it will affect you, so it shouldn’t be a surprise that you will feel the same level of fear and angst when trying to do it for someone else. If you do need to make big decisions, make sure you take the time to look at all the facts. Whether you are considering adapting a home, hospice care at home or in a facility or looking to obtain a bit of respite they can all take their toll on you as well as the family member it involves. Big decisions for others still require you to weigh up the pros and cons.
Not sure how to communicate or care for that person
It can be hard to know how to communicate or care for that person, with the role reversal in mind, so take some time to ensure that you think about their feelings as well as your own. It won’t be easy for them to go through this situation either, and the emotional impact can be hitting them hard as well. Invest time to just talk to them, it will do wonders with how you are feeling about it.
Let’s hope this has you more aware of the impact it will have on you as well as others around you.
Not caring for yourself is something that would happen.