National Family Caregivers Month is a time to celebrate anyone who is a family caregiver. Whether it’s a sibling providing your parents with the help they require or it’s you, make sure you celebrate your role. Home care services can step in with some of these suggestions.
Buy Yourself a Present
What have you been forgoing when you’re caring for your mom and dad? Have you had a haircut recently? When was the last time you bought a new outfit? How about some flowers?
Buy yourself something that’s just for you. Book an appointment for a haircut, and then head to your favorite store to buy clothes after. You may dislike spending money, but a quick pick-me-up can do amazing things for your self-confidence and self-esteem.
Treat Yourselves to Takeout
Whether you’re the primary family caregiver or it’s a sibling, order takeout from your favorite restaurant. If you live within range for delivery, you can have it delivered. Otherwise, get someone to pick it up.
Grab some board games and enjoy dinner together as a family. You won’t have to do the cooking, and clean-up is minimal. Your parents get to be part of the celebration.
When you’re choosing the restaurant, you’re not stuck to takeout. Most restaurants offer takeout now. Plus, some make it easy to order through online systems. Treat yourselves to dessert, too. The care you provide deserves to be celebrated.
Take a Vacation
When was the last time you went on vacation? Rent a hotel room or house for a long weekend and take a long weekend away. While you’re away, your parents can have someone else help them with their daily activities of living. What if no one in your family is available? Have you considered respite care?
Home Care Providers Can Offer Help Too
As a family caregiver, you need to keep your own care in mind, too. You can’t devote so much time to your parents that you forget about your own mental and physical health. One of the best ways to make sure you have time for self-care is by talking to a home care agency about respite care.
Home care aides can come to your parents’ house and help them with daily routines. That allows you to go out with friends, have a day to yourself, or sleep in late. It doesn’t matter how you spend a day off. It’s just important that you’re embracing your own needs. Call our home care specialist to make arrangements.