Long-Term Care

For those over the age of 65, there is a 70% chance that you will be in need of long-term care at some point in your life. 

The month of November established National Long-Term Care to offer support to those of you who are caretakers.  Long-term care can be very stressful. 

If you are a caregiver your average age is 46.  You have likely had to change your work schedule.  On average you spend 21 hours providing care. You may have even skipped a vacation because you were the person responsible for the care.

How then do you take care of yourself if you are the main caregiver for a family member or a friend?

Here are some tips from Caring Bridge, a website created for people to share information on day-to-day short or long-term care.

• First, rally family, friends and those in your community for support.  You don’t need to do it all by yourself.  People will help in a variety of ways.

• Next, make sure you take care of your basic needs like eating, sleeping, exercising, doing something you enjoy.  

• Give yourself some appreciation.  Caring without feeling appreciated can be difficult.  You can join an online support group.  If you are comfortable, reach out to friends and let them know your trials and ask for support.

• Do you forgive yourself and practice gratitude? You don’t need to be perfect.  You are doing the best you can and you need to be mindful of that.

• You should accept help from others when offered.  This can be difficult but in the long run you get a break and some time to relax.  

• Finally, find some hobbies for yourself.  Caregiving is important but it doesn’t need to define you.  A hobby can help on many levels.

Private Home Health Care understands how difficult long-term care can be.  We hope those of you in that situation make sure to take care of yourself too.

#LongTermCareAwarenessMonth