Chronic Living Blog

On an airplane safety brief, they tell you to put your own mask on before helping others. That is because you need to be well enough to help those around you.

If you don’t put your own mask on, then you become the one in crisis.

The same is true for caregiving. There are people we love who need support. It’s easy to get caught up on the needs of others, while putting our own aside.

Too often, the caregiver becomes the one in need and everyone involved is at risk of collapse. If you don’t care for yourself, you may fall victim to compassion fatigue. This could lean to frustration, and eventually burnout.

I am not just talking about physical health, but mental and spiritual health as well. Everyone needs a break when they are under stress. How do you get it?

1. Share the load. Reach out to other family members, friends, and neighbors. See if they can take a turn to allow you time to yourself.
2. Accept the help that they can give. Maybe they can prepare a meal, help with shopping, or take over for a while.
3. Give yourself grace. You are human. You can’t be everything to everyone. It’s okay. You are doing what you can.
4. Reach out for help from the community. There are resources out there from religious, charitable, and community groups.
5. Work with a social worker. You might find one from your insurance company, medical group, state department of aging, or work benefits.
   • Ask for respite care, or a service that takes over care for a while
   • Find meal delivery services such as Meals on Wheels
   • Locate a medical equipment loan program near you
   • Get a home health services referral for a caregiver, therapy, or other needs
6. Take time off to take care of your own medical needs. Get your own health in order.
7. See to your own mental health. Do what works well for you, be it therapy or a walk in the woods.

Feel free to send me a message for suggestions of topics you would like me to cover.