Tips for Those Caring for Their Spouse
You’ve spent your life with your spouse as a team, but now that you’re seniors, you may be in the position of caring for them. While this role can be incredibly rewarding, it also causes a great deal of stress for the family caregiver.
Advice for Caring for Your Aging Partner
If your spouse has a memory-related condition or other illness that requires you to care for them, you may be feeling burnt out. Staying mentally and physically healthy is crucial for properly tending to your partner. Here are several suggestions for balancing caregiving duties while also maintaining your well-being.
Establish a Routine
The importance of a daily routine can’t be overstated. Create a schedule that includes tasks like meals, exercise, appointments, medication times, and physical activity. Both you and your spouse will benefit from the structure and predictably.
Have Healthy Communication
It’s essential to have open and honest conversations with your spouse, especially if they are dealing with a life-changing illness. You’ll want to know their wishes for both present and future care plans, and you should be able to express your opinions about these topics as well. Be sure to have regular check-ins with your partner to gauge how they’re feeling and what they’re thinking in regard to their condition.
Practice Self Care
It can be easy to get so caught up in your spouse’s needs that you end up neglecting your own. Prioritize self-care by setting aside time to do the things you enjoy. If you can’t do this on a daily basis, then at least try to devote an hour to “me time” every week. It could be as simple as going for a walk or meeting a friend for lunch. Additionally, make sure you’re eating well and getting enough sleep so that you have adequate energy to devote to caregiving.
Join a Support Group
It’s so important to remember that you’re not alone in your caregiving journey. Many other families and couples are in similar situations. Having the chance to vent your frustrations and get advice from people who understand can be incredibly valuable. If you’re ready to explore outside resources, the Scotch Plains area has caregiver support groups available.
Seek Professional Assistance
It may be difficult for you to ask for help from others if you’re used to doing everything for your spouse. However, asking for help doesn’t mean you’re not doing a good job. If you’re feeling overwhelmed and could use assistance, don’t be afraid to reach out to friends, family members, or a professional caregiving agency, like Visiting Angels.
How Visiting Angels Scotch Plains Supports Family Caregivers
Caring for your cherished spouse is certainly a big responsibility, but you don’t have to go it alone. With the help of respite care services from Visiting Angels Scotch Plains, you can enjoy a much-needed break from your duties with the knowledge that your partner is being compassionately tended to.
If you’d like to learn more about how we can assist your spouse, reach out to us today via our contact form or by calling 908-322-0056.