Caregivers Need Breaks

by Alan:

Caregiving is difficult, more difficult than many people expect when they make their wedding vow, “in sickness and in health.” The word makes people think of helping people shop, bathe, pay bills, and clean and do laundry. But it includes helping with psychological aspects like depressive symptoms and adjusting to new limitations. I would guess you yourself have seen some of those caregiver conversations. Perhaps you’ve seen a family member reluctantly give up hiking or watched one relative convince another that it’s time to stop driving.

Caregivers need breaks, chances to relax and detach. They need time to themselves without worrying about missing a call or not replying immediately to a text. If you’re a caregiver, build time for yourself into your schedule and don’t feel guilty about doing it. It’s a necessity for your mental and physical health so you can keep providing for your loved one’s needs.

My wife and I are each other’s caregivers. For this, I am incredibly fortunate. Every day, Sairung assists me with something before I even realize I need assistance. And when either of us needs a break from daily life stress, we play games and watch movies. My beautiful Sairung is the greatest blessing in my life. Frankly, I cannot imagine surviving without her.

Whether you provide care for a client, a friend or the love of your life, allow yourself to recharge. Don’t feel guilty about taking a break.