Caregiver self-care is becoming a serious concern. As a caregiver advocate, preventing burnout and maintaining health while caring for a loved one matters. How often have we heard “I neglected myself to care for a loved one.” These are the words of Dolly Parton, who passed away last week. While she faithfully cared for her beloved husband (married for 50 years), she grieved for his health, then his death, all the while forgetting about herself. I am not surprised by her words because I am certain she had many signs and symptoms that screamed: “Go take care of self.” Caregivers are notorious for getting around to caring for themselves. The message never changes: first put your oxygen mask on before assisting others. Taking care of self is one of the most important things caregivers can do. We know caregiving is not easy. It’s full of sacrifices, adjustments, and juggling the unknowns of the role. The demands require self-care.
The health of a caregiver is fundamental to caring for someone else. Caregivers, men and women, must take their health seriously. What does that look like? Let’s talk about it! What does it mean to take care of self? While this may seem like a simple question, somehow it gets lost in translation. As caregivers, we become so focused on the duties of caregiving that we forget that pouring from an empty cup is impossible. You must fuel yourself! Eating is fundamental! Rest is fundamental! Sleep is fundamental! Annual physical examinations are fundamental. Following up on abnormal findings is fundamental. They do not go away just because you ignore them. If you hear the word “pre” this is a warning sign to address a concern before it becomes a lifelong illness you must manage while caregiving. This is self-care. I don’t have time is not an excuse to not care for self. Chances are, if you don’t “take” the time, time will take care of you! The human body is a remarkable design, but it requires something from us…Self-Care!
Self-Care Reimagined
We used the words: self-care often, however I do not feel we really take the definition to heart. I’m pleading with you to not just say the words; act on the words for self-sake! Neglected self-care grief does not have to exist. It’s a choice. Don’t be the caregiver who grieves your health during or after your caregiving journey ends. Ignoring your own health because you feel you must stay strong for others must be dispelled. The notion harms your physical and mental health, which impacts the care you provide to your loved ones. I’m sounding the alarm to keep you from compromising your health for caregiving’s sake.
As Your Proactive Caregiver Advocate, my goal is to help you provide the best care possible. Health matters, especially when your skills and talents are depended upon by loved ones. The #1 priority on a caregiving journey begins with acknowledging that self-care is vital and necessary. Be Safe! Be Well!