Who cares for the caretaker.  Because that is what you are. If you care for someone and take actions that reflect that, you ARE a caretaker.

 

Don’t burn out. You are needed.

 

There is a thing out there called “Respite Care.”  This is specifically set up for people who home care for aging or disabled loved ones. Nursing homes will allow you to “check them in” for a week or two and give yourself a break.

There is nothing wrong with taking a break.

 

Let me repeat that

 

THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH TAKING A BREAK

 

If you are providing care on a daily or weekly basis, talk to your loved one and let them know that even though you love them, even though you care for them and are committed to continuing to care for them, you do sometimes need a break.

 

In fact, you should make sure to schedule breaks and treats for yourself on a weekly (or more) basis.  It can be as small as taking an hour to enjoy taking lunch in a park, or as big as a full day at the spa. If you don’t have anyone to spell you, anyone to take up the slack. Look into hiring someone who can cover for an hour or two. It will be money well spent.

 

Here are some suggestions on how to relax:

• Massage – just make sure you mention that the purpose is to relax and not work out muscle fatigue or something

• Hot Bath – turn down the lights, light a candle, put on some music (I prefer Pink Floyds “Dark Side of the Moon” or Beethoven,) and put up a DO NOT DISTURB sign on the bathroom door for a half hour or so.

• Buy your favorite ice cream and eat it without guilt.

• Treat yourself to that new dress/book/grill you wanted.

• Get a coloring book, some crayons and go to town

• Eat out at a nice restaurant

• See a good play

• See a bad play

• Go out and bowl a few frames

• Sing bad karaoke with friends

• Set up a “bitch” time with a spouse, partner, or good friend. – a time you just vent and spew all the tiredness, all the frustration, all the little petty things that get to you…and they just listen. Not trying to help, not give advice, just listen. (If you want advice, ask for it later)

• Get a haircut

• Color your hair

• Get a manicure, a pedicure

• Go for a walk

• Go for a run

• Get back to the gym

• Designate a “screaming pillow” and when things get too much…scream your little lungs out.

• Go on a day trip to the city

• Play on the computer (I recommend “Wizard 101”)

• Stay home and binge watch an old favorite tv show (after all, Bob got the Star Trek DVDs)

• Or, if you are me, create a website.  - it doesn’t have to be about this, it can be about your hobby, your passion, your ramblings about life the universe and everything.​

 

If you do, let me know and I’ll link it.

​

For now, this is the last page I am going to create, there may be more later as things come up…I really hope not.

Feel free to shoot me an email or contact me through the contact page.  I’m kinda busy right now, but I’ll get back to you later.