New Year’s Resolutions for Caregivers That Everyone Should Consider

If you are caring for someone who also suffers from a chronic illness, such as dementia or Alzheimer’s, the New Year’s Resolutions may seem trivial. However, as the new year begins, giving yourself time to reset and create new goals can prevent burnout and help make 2022 be more enjoyable.

Resolve to Focus on What You Can Control

Being a caregiver is often hectic, and there are many things that are simply out of your control. Instead of focusing on, and stressing about, the things that you cannot control, think about what you can do instead. For instance, you cannot control the mental state of your senior loved one, but you can have a conversation with your family members to let them know what to expect. Focusing on the areas where you can make a difference will make you feel more productive and less hopeless, while also allowing you to mitigate things that are simply out of your hands.

Practice Mindfulness

Caregiving is often fast-paced and hectic; many of us get so lost in the caregiving process we forget that this is precious time spent with someone we love. Unfortunately, your senior loved one will not always be around, so make the most of the time that you have together by allowing time for reflection and gratitude. If possible, plan a few favorite activities for the new year that you both enjoy and coordinate with family members for visits.

Stop Putting Off Self Care

We often get so wrapped up in taking care of others that we end up sacrificing our own physical and mental well-being. Remember, you cannot take care of another person if you yourself are ill or overwhelmed. This means going to your doctor’s appointments, eating right, making time to exercise, drinking enough water, and, yes, taking time off to rest. Self-care also means making time for your other life responsibilities so that you can successfully balance caregiving and your family and work life.

Make Time for Yourself

Free time is scarce for caregivers, especially if you have family and work responsibilities on top of your caregiving duties. Even if you are very busy, make sure that you schedule time for yourself. This can be something small, such as scheduling five minutes alone to meditate or attending a workout class at your local gym. Or something larger, like asking for help so that you can get a day off to rest and recuperate.

Allow Yourself to Ask for Help

Caregivers often feel like they must do everything alone, but that’s simply not the case. Resolve to allow yourself to ask for help; this means reaching out to family members or hiring a professional to help with caregiving responsibilities. You should also consider that reaching out to friends and family for yourself.

If you are a caregiver who is looking for help in New York, reach out to Allure Home Care today for our concierge home care and nursing services.