Everyone needs a break at one time or another. For some, weekends are when they relax and enjoy life. Others find it after work or make time during the day. Yet, for those whose life focuses on senior citizen care in Philadelphia PA, a break of any type seems like an illusion or selfish.
These Caregivers Home Care Philadelphia PA have forgotten the primary rule of taking care of any senior citizen. Care of self is important for proper care of the elderly. Caring daily for an elderly parent without caring for yourself is not the proper way to go.
Why Caregivers Need A Break
While it is selfless to continually be there for the senior citizen, care should include self-care. This is not counterproductive. It is the best means of ensuring the caregiver is able to properly care for the senior. Without taking the proper measures, the caregiver becomes:
* Worn out
* Irritable
* Overwhelmed
* Unhappy
* Physically and emotionally sick
* Stressed
As a result, the elderly person can sense the change. He or she may reflect back these negative emotions and the whole matter becomes a vicious, draining, unconstructive cycle.
Stress – The Enemy
The most potent enemy in care giving is stress. If it advances to the chronic stage, it will truly become detrimental to all parties involved. The caregiver, in particular, will be affected in several ways. Research indicates some of the potential health problems resulting from chronic stress are:
* Digestive issues
* Colds that last longer and come with greater frequency
* Anxiety and depression
* Heart disease
* Increased risk for stroke
If you take a break, you allow your batteries a chance to recharge and reduce the amount of stress in your life. This allows you to continue being a caregiver without it affecting either your health or that of the loved one.
Options For Caregivers
Friends and family can act as a means of you getting a break, but sometimes organizations provide the best means of taking a longer break. They can offer entertainment, socialization and any medical care if necessary. If you are a caregiver, you have several options for this type of senior citizen care. Philadelphia PA offers a variety of potential resources upon which you can draw. These include:
* Out-and-about types of organizations provide relief for a day or half-day
* Senior centers provide some respite
* Senior citizen care facilities for a day or several weekdays
It is very important that you, as a caregiver, understand the need to take a break. By letting someone else take over senior citizen care in Philadelphia PA, you are not being selfish. Instead, you are taking care of yourself so you can better take care of your elderly parent.
zen care facilities for a day or several weekdays
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