Ideas for The New Year for Families of San Fernando Valley Seniors

If you are the relative of a senior citizen, you and your fellow family members probably feel overwhelmed at times. Caring for an elder can feel like a full time job, and maintaining a healthy balance is important. Don’t forget to take some time out for yourself – especially when you are feeling anxious or exhausted. Learning to make the most of your time with your elderly relative can also be helpful. Remember that it’s okay to ask for help from others, and be sure to make your own health a top priority. When you take some time to stay organized and care for yourself, you will ultimately be a better, stronger resource for your senior family member. The following are a few of the top New Year’s resolutions for families of seniors living in the San Fernando Valley.

Get the Self-Care You Need to Stay Happy and Healthy

Family caregivers sometimes forget to implement the kind of self-care that is needed to stay in good shape (both mentally and physically). It’s easy to get caught up in the needs of your elder relative – but are you taking time each day to care for yourself, as well? You should be in the best physical, mental, and emotional condition possible if you hope to help your senior family member on a long-term basis.

One great way to take care of yourself on every level is to do yoga. Yoga poses can help to release tension from the body. This practice also aids in combating stress and anxiety. Find a yoga center in your area, and resolve to enroll in a class in the New Year. You’ll feel better overall, and you’ll be better able to deal with the responsibilities of caring for the elderly person in your life.

Do Something You Enjoy Every Day

Another important aspect of self-care is making time to enjoy yourself. Doing this will make you a better caregiver (because you’ll be happier). Regardless of what type of things that you like to do, make sure you do something every day that makes you happy. If you enjoy movies, schedule a little time every evening to watch new and classic movies online or on DVDs. Even if you don’t have time to watch a film in its entirety every day, you can probably set aside an hour of movie-watching on a daily basis – you could watch the first half of a movie one night and the second half the next night.

Get Some Help When You Need It

A classic mistake that many relatives of seniors make is to try and do everything themselves. Doing this will not make you a hero; in fact, trying to do everything yourself will more likely make you less efficient and less pleasant. Instead of attempting to be everything at all times for your elder relative, you might consider consulting a company that offers respite services in the San Fernando Valley. You deserve to take a little time off to replenish your energy.

Eat Properly On a Regular Basis

Don’t forget that proper nutrition is one of the keys to staying in good condition. When you eat well and consume the right balance of nutrients, you will be a better caregiver for your elder family member. If your doctor has arranged a special food plan for you, be sure to adhere to it. If you don’t have any particular health issues, then remember to eat plenty of fruits and vegetables along with lean protein and whole grains.

Take Your Elder to Get a Flu Shot

Elderly people are more vulnerable to many illnesses, and they may feel the impact of such ailments more profoundly than individuals who are younger than them. The flu can be especially debilitating to a senior, so remember to take your elder in the San Fernando Valley to get a flu shot. This one preventative measure could be a lifesaver for the senior in your life.

Caring for an aging family member may be challenging, but you can do a variety of things to make the process easier. Make sure that you are taking good care of yourself – as well as your elder – in the New Year. Self-care is just as important as senior care for the family members of seniors who live in the San Fernando Valley.

Photo by C. VanHook (vanhookc)