During National Family Caregivers Month (NFCM), we continue to offer tips and resources to help support our community members taking on this role. Family members taking on the responsibility of caring for another person through sickness or disability can often take an emotional toll on the caregiver. In 2020, AARP cited that more than one in five Americans (21.3 percent) are caregivers, having provided care to an adult or child with special needs.
This week we highlight tips to ensure that you care for yourself.
- You deserve time away. Accept that it is perfectly fine to do things that you enjoy. Take time for yourself at least once per week. If you’re able to take more time, even just a few minutes per day, do so.
- Accept help. If people offer to help, accept it.
- Reward yourself. This does not have to mean spending money on an expensive spa day. Try treating yourself to a movie or a dinner date. The work that you do is important and valuable. You deserve a treat.
- Nurture your spiritual self. If your spirituality is important to you, nurture that relationship. Be sure to do what makes you feel connected to your spirituality. Attend services, speak with your church leaders, pray or participate in a church group.
- Recognize the significance of your role as caregiver. Your role has positive meaning, and you can be made stronger through it.
Stay tuned throughout the month for more helpful tips to empower caregivers.