AAGING BETTER HELPS FAMILY CAREGIVERS HAVE A STRESS-FREE 4TH!

July 4th is all about the great American tradition of family gatherings, fun, and most of all, freedom. But for caregivers taking care of a family member or loved one, holidays can be challenging as opposed to carefree and fun. Being an effective family caregiver means first caring for yourself. Reducing your own burdens and maintaining a healthy balance will put you in a better position to care for your loved one–and enjoy your holidays the way they’re meant to be enjoyed. When July 4th rolls around this week, put these tips to work to ensure your holiday is fun and stress-free:

Gather friends and family together for a fun, low-key celebration. Oftentimes, caregivers can come to feel isolated and lonely when caring for a loved one. Having friends and family around will ease these feelings and give you an outlet to celebrate the holiday and upcoming summer months .
Take time to exercise. It’s summer, so getting outside is a great way to boost your mood. Go for a jog or just take a brisk walk around the neighborhood to clear your head and lift your spirits.
Eat right. While it’s easy to overeat and drink when the grill is going, try not to give in to stress-drive urges for fatty foods, sweets or alcohol. Switching to fresh veggies, fresh fruit smoothies, whole grain snacks and other healthy alternatives to high calorie chips, sodas and sweets, gives your body the energy and nutrition you need to stay in top conditioning and health. The healthier you are, the better you’ll feel–and typically, the better care you’ll be able to provide your loved one.
Rally support. As family gathers together for holiday celebrations, it’s a good time to ask them for some caregiving support. Be honest about your personal needs and find out when and where family and friends can offer support. Assistance from another family member might not happen unless you speak up and inform the extended family of your need for assistance and time away.
Take a break with “respite” care. You need time off every once in a while, and respite care, offered by home care agencies such as ours, can give you the break you need to rest and recharge your batteries. With an agency caregiver providing your loved one companionship and assistance while you’re out and about, you can truly relax and enjoy your time away knowing your loved one is being well cared for.

Reducing stress is vital to effective caregiving. We can help you manage your loved one’s care and your personal time away with “respite” care for your loved one, provided by our trained and compassionate caregivers. Call us to learn how respite care might help you and your loved one regain a better quality of life together! We can ensure your loved one is well cared for while you get away for a break. We can be reached at 208-777-0308 if you’re calling from the Post Falls, Coeur d’Alene or Hayden areas; 208-263-7889 in the Sandpoint, Bonners Ferry or Priest River areas; or 208-784-1505 if you’re calling from the Kellogg, Pinehurst or Wallace areas. If calling from outside any of these areas, call us toll-free at 877-464-2344. Call us today for information that could change your life and the life of your loved one!