Making the New Year Great for Families of Seniors Living in San Diego County
The New Year is an excellent time to implement some of the changes you’ve been contemplating. If you care for a senior family member in San Diego County, you may feel as though there are never enough hours in the day. However, getting a little help with your caregiving duties can make a big difference in how you and your aging relative feel on a day-to-day basis.
By reflecting on the areas that may need work in terms of better caregiving overall, you can probably determine which changes you should make for the New Year. You may also benefit from exploring a few of the top New Year’s resolutions that many relatives of seniors are committing to this year. The following are a few of the resolutions that you might consider integrating with your routine.
Help Your Senior Relative to Socialize With Others
When a person feels helpless, becoming isolated may be an easy habit to develop. This is not a healthy practice to engage in, though. Everyone needs human companionship and interaction – and you should assist your senior family member in meeting other people whenever possible. You’ll find an abundance of places in San Diego County where seniors can meet and interact with their peers. Once you and your family member begin to explore the options, he or she will likely appreciate the opportunity to be out of the home for a while and to socialize with others.
Encourage Your Senior Relative to Get Regular Exercise
Staying in good physical condition is as important as getting adequate social interaction. Your aging family member needs to get enough exercise in order to remain in the best shape possible. You might schedule a daily walk with your relative – this is a viable way for both of you to get fresh air and exercise. You could also enroll your relative in an exercise program created for seniors in San Diego County.
Remember to Have Some Fun
If you want to be part of a solid support system for your elder, you’ll need to remember to take care of yourself, as well. One major aspect of caring for yourself is having fun regularly. Taking everything too seriously will not help you or your relative, so be sure to do some of the things that you love to do on a daily basis (or at least on a weekly basis). If you have a hobby, don’t neglect it just because you are now helping your family member. Make time to see your friends and spend time with other relatives. Having fun lifts the spirits – and ultimately, this will make you a better caregiver to your loved one.
Hire Respite Care When Needed
In the same way that caring for yourself makes you a better caregiver to someone else, trying to accomplish more than you can handle may have a negative impact on your relationship with your elderly relative. Instead of trying to do too much, consider hiring a professional to help out with respite care. You can contact a reputable home care company in San Diego County to get you the assistance you require.
Join a Family Caregiver Support Group
Another way to get the support you need is to join a support group for family caregivers of seniors in San Diego County. Meeting others who share similar circumstances can be helpful – especially if you are sometimes overwhelmed by your responsibilities. You will have a chance to talk with and listen to other people who have many of the same concerns that you do, and you’ll also be able to explore solutions to these common issues for family caregivers.
Regardless of how much you love your senior relative, you are likely to experience some stress as a family caregiver. Fortunately, numerous resources exist in San Diego County to assist you. Whether you choose one resolution or several for the New Year, don’t forget to make self-care as much of a priority as caring for your elderly family member.
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