Elderwerks Senior Resource Directory 2025/2026

THE CAREGIVER - AN UNSUSPECTING CASUALTY

THE CAREGIVER – AN UNSUSPECTING CASUALTY

• Keep healthy. Try to get 20 minutes of exercise in daily, even if it is walking up & down stairs or jogging in place – anything. • Keep your mind healthy. Hobbies are good for your spirit. Try activities that stimulate your brain, such as crosswords, word games, music or reading. • Eat healthy. Eat more whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables. Watch your intake of salt, sugar, fat and alcohol. • See a doctor on a regular basis. Talking about your issues to non judgmental people can be quite helpful.

• Make a list of your obligations – work, family, caregiving and personal. The ones that aren’t so important, should be added last. That way if you don’t finish your list, what will be left are the least important tasks. • Create a support system. Recruit friends, relatives, neighbors – anyone you would trust around your loved one. • Get your sleep in. Enough to feel refreshed and awake in the morning. Try to fit a nap in – maybe when your loved one does, or anytime you may have some free time. • Plan ahead. Use your time wisely and efficiently. Use a schedule or create a routine. • Take breaks throughout the day – even if that means locking yourself in the bathroom with a crossword puzzle. • Learn to use breathing techniques to help keep you calm. Meditation and yoga are also helpful in alleviating stress. • Delegate responsibilities. Assign tasks, chores and time.

Caring for a parent or loved one can be some exhausting business! It can exhaust your physical health, mental health – even your bank account. Why become exhausted to the point where you can’t even take care of yourself, your own family, responsibilities, or even your loved one in need? You are expected to be the nurse, taxi driver, chef, launderer and maid service, entertainment, accountant and more. When do you have time for you? Ask for help before you suffer from a personal crisis. Here are some signs and scenarios that it’s time to get help: • You’ve become resentful, angry, spiteful or even physical with your loved one. • Feeling isolated. All you do is work and/or run your own home, on top of caring for your loved one. • Missing out on too many family time opportunities, holidays or celebrations. No time for home life. • You no longer feel self-worth, are forlorn, or know you are lacking in your caregiving. • You’re always tired. Too exhausted to take part in activities you love. • You’re drinking too much, using drugs, over or under-eating, not taking care of yourself and risking your health. • Your loved one starts declining and their health gets worse. They start regressing or stop making progress. Here are some pointers and suggestions to help yourself be the best caregiver you can be. • You are more verbal and short tempered. • You feel despair, overwhelmed – distraught.

HELPFUL INFORMATION

• Talk to friends and family. Share your feelings and emotions.

• ASK FOR HELP!

Get rid of that ego! It’s okay to ask for help, in fact it is recommended and encouraged.

• You can’t do everything yourself.

• Keep healthy and keep up with your personal needs. If you don’t take care of yourself, you won’t be able to provide the best care for your loved one. • It’s okay to leave your loved one with someone else, even if it causes you anxiety. • Ask for help. Assign tasks or jobs. Even if it’s only for an hour a day. Every little bit helps. • While finances may be a concern when providing care for a loved one, there are programs that may assist in funding; consult Elderwerks to give you these resources. There are organizations, volunteers and groups that can help.

• Join a support group. Have an outlet to talk about your

responsibilities to others in the same situation.

• Sign your loved one up for an activity, if they are healthy enough to leave the house. Maybe adult day care, an outing or playing bingo at the senior center.

• Make dates to visit with friends or your spouse. Have family time.

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