The CDC estimates that around 16 million family caregivers in the U.S. care for a family member or friend with dementia. Approximately 25% of these caregivers are part of the “sandwich generation,” meaning they have children at home at the same time they’re caring for an aging parent.
National Family Caregivers Month happens every November. It’s a month meant to celebrate all that family caregivers do throughout the year. Celebrate this month by taking a much-needed break. Here are some of the things to do for yourself this month.
Catch Up on Appointments
Sometimes, family caregivers spend so much time accompanying their parents to dental and medical appointments that they stop seeing their doctors. If it’s been a while since you’ve gone for a dental or medical check-up, it’s time to get caught up.
It can be stressful, but it’s better to take the steps now and see if any issues need addressing. You might learn you’re dealing with anemia caused by a poor diet, or you have gum disease that needs to be addressed. As you start taking steps to improve your health, you’ll find yourself feeling more energetic and able to provide the best care possible.
Sleep In
Plan a lazy day where you sleep in as late as you’d like. If you’re awake, stay in bed and read a book or watch a movie. When you’re ready to get up, put on comfortable clothes and have a quiet day at home. Arrange a day where you don’t have to leave the house or even shower if you want to skip it.
Let Someone Else Do the Cooking
Find a restaurant that delivers or offers curbside pick-up and order dinner to go. Have something you love to eat but rarely get to have. If you’re a fan of lobster, you could order a lobster roll from a local seafood restaurant. Or, get a vegetable and yogurt curry from a new Nepalese restaurant that you’ve been interested in trying.
Book a Long Weekend Away
You could book a vacation for a long weekend. Rent a cabin at the lake or ocean and get away with your significant other or a close friend. Spend a weekend walking along the shore, shopping in the city, or curled up near a fire in a mountain cabin.
Arrange Respite Care Services
How do you take a few hours, a day, or even weeks off when you’re the primary family caregiver? Do yourself a favor and call a home care expert and ask about personal care at home services. While you step away to recharge, a caregiver can come to your parents’ home and help out.
Respite care gives you the chance to heal from surgery, recover from a cold or flu, or take a break until you’re ready to return. Call a specialist today and ask about personal care at home.
Sources:
https://www.cdc.gov/aging/caregiving/alzheimer.htm
