Why It’s Important to Stay Connected

As your loved one’s care needs increase, you may find yourself feeling less and less connected to the hobbies, routines and lifestyle you had previously. There simply isn’t enough time in the day to fit everything in.

With the errands you need to run, calling your brother will have to wait. Since your loved one has a doctor’s appointment today, coffee with a friend will have to wait.  It’s been a busy afternoon of chores at your loved one’s home, and you’re just now getting to what needs to be done at your place.  You were planning to go to the neighbor’s cookout tonight, but it will have to wait.

Connect with Others for Your Own Wellbeing

When your caregiving to-do list feels long, you may find yourself backing away from things that were once an important part of your life.  You may begin to disconnect from the identities you had before caregiving—a friend, gardener, musician, neighbor, tennis player, volunteer, or group leader—as your caregiver identity fills more of your time and demands more of your energy.

The more you step back from the people and things you love, isolation and loneliness may begin to creep in. These things are harmful to your wellbeing and make you more prone to caregiver burnout.

Caregiver burnout mimics the symptoms of stress and depression. It can show itself in your day-to-day interactions with your loved one or with other family members. Do you find that you are more irritable or short-tempered? Are you feeling run down and constantly tired? Do you get sick frequently? Are your relationships strained? These are all signs of burnout.

Although it may feel like “something’s got to go” from your pre-caregiver lifestyle, the social interactions you have with others and your connection to life-giving activities are essential to your caregiving stamina.  Staying connected takes effort, but the effort will be well worth it.  Maintaining these connections is one way that you can care for yourself while caring for your loved one, and doing so will benefit both of you.

Think Creatively

Life may look different during this season of caregiving, but your connections with other people and favorite interests are more important to your mental, physical and emotional health than ever before. Look for creative ways to make room in your week for these important things.

If you can’t spend a full day on the golf course, meet a friend at the driving range for an hour.  If volunteering at the library two days feels like too much, temporarily bump it back to one day.  Maybe you feel too tired for social interactions in the evenings.  Why not swap your dinner plans for breakfast or at a time of day when you feel at your best?

Hold on to What’s Important

Caregiving is filled with many life adjustments. Some are minor and others are more significant and impactful.  As you make these adjustments, it’s important not to lose yourself in the mix.  Realize that self-care must be a priority. The things you love and the people you enjoy spending time with are necessary parts of life and will help sustain you in the midst of your caregiving journey.