Blogmas Day 1: Practical tips for Tired Caregivers

Rollin sees caregivers of all kinds everyday.
For some care giving is their job.
Some are caregivers of their small children or aging parents.
They may also work outside of the home.
Rollin is super happy to help them run errands and take back some time in their day.
But here are some other tips to help with the fatigue both mental and physical, that can come along with the loving rewards of taking care of others.
1. Make a schedule.
I know that not everyone is a natural planner but, once you see how much smoother life goes when everyone knows what to expect, you may just change your mind. It does not have to be fancy but, it should be easy for everyone to understand. Include things that must be done and include things that you want to get done. You can make your schedule as detailed as you need to. Play around with it and see what works best. Don't be hard on yourself if everything on your schedule doesn't get done. Just move it to the next schedule. If an item never seems to happen, you may need to evaluate why it is on the list and its importance to you and your family. I like using a planner or calendar that has enough room in it to include notes.
2. Plan in mini vacations.
Mini vacations are just a break in your daily routine where you do something you would really enjoy. It may be sleeping uninterrupted, going out to dinner and a movie, or spending a weekend at a bed and breakfast.  These mini vacations should be included on your schedule so you can plan for them in advance. You may want to plan them at natural times when you would get a break from being a caregiver. You may want to invest some money and make arrangements with someone to provide care for your loved ones during your short breaks. You may get lucky and have  friends or family members to step in for you on occasions and give you relief. That is the perfect time for a mini vacation.
3. Don't try to please everyone.
It is great to seek knowledge and to have someone to confide in but, you have to remember that every situation is different. You need to do what works for you and your family. You will learn who you can talk to about things and who is not necessarily a worthy confidante.
4. Don't be ashamed to ask for help.
I can not stress this point enough. Don't just ask one person or source for help. Ask until you get some relief. Go to google and research how to get help. Go to religious organizations, family, friends and hired help. Don't wait until you are at the end of your rope. Find out who is available to help as soon as a care situation arises. If you think you won't need help, that's fine too. Ask anyway just in case. More than likely You Will want help.
5. Sleep!
I bet you think this is a no brainier. You need sleep. Of course there may be times were sleep is hard to get, but once you see that occurring you need to start planning ways to get enough sleep. It may not be night time sleep. You may have to learn how to nap during the day. You may need times of complete darkness in your home. You may have to visit a friend's home or rent a room during your mini vacations. Whatever it is, you need to pursue sleep like it is an Olympic medal. Everyone does not need the same amount of sleep. Your body will let you know how much you need in order to be at your best. Keep a sleep journal for a while to see how much sleep you are getting, and when you are getting it.

I hope some of these tips help you. As a former Nursing Assistant and family caregiver I know some of the challenges that can come about. I am not a doctor so these are just suggestions that helped me.
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If you have some tips that you can pass on please share them in the comments.

Karen, aka "The Delivery Diva"

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