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The value of respite for caregivers — enjoy personal time
By Lisa M. Petsche
While the days of summer offer many of us the chance to enjoy a well-deserved break, sometimes people caring for an aging, ill or disabled relative are reluctant to take one. They know their responsibilities are constant, regardless of the season.
But breaks from caregiving duties—commonly known as respite—are essential in order for caregivers to be able to provide optimal care over time. These can take place at home or away, and involve anywhere from a few minutes or hours, to several days or weeks.
The goal of respite is to refresh caregivers physically, mentally and spiritually. The change of pace—and often environment—can renew their energy and restore their perspective. When practiced regularly, respite helps keep the stresses of caregiving manageable, preventing physical and emotional burnout.
While respite is a year-round need, the dog days of summer are the perfect time to begin the habit of taking time out from caregiving.
If you are a caregiver, read on for some seasonal self-care tips.
Lighten the load
- If finances permit, hire a yard maintenance service or a neighborhood youth to cut the lawn. Otherwise, get a mulching mower so you don’t have to bag grass.
- Buy low-maintenance outdoor plants or consider container gardening.
- Make double batches of meals and freeze half so you don’t have to cook on hot days, or stock up on pre-cooked foods that only require warming. Better yet, order takeout food during a heat wave.
- When summer sun and heat keep you indoors, research options for adult day care, which would allow you a significant break and your loved one additional stimulation. You might also locate a suitable caregiver support group in your area. Many take a summer hiatus, but you can learn about options for the fall.
- Contact your local office on aging or the organization associated with your loved one’s disease.
- Don’t pass up an opportunity for a vacation, with or without your loved one, whether to a friend’s cabin, a resort, an out-of-town wedding or other special event, or to visit relatives at a distance.
Enjoy personal time
- Get a portable baby monitor or two-way radios to allow you to engage in outdoor pursuits worry-free while your loved one is resting or involved in indoor activities.
- Read a magazine about a favorite summer pastime—gardening or golf, for example.
- Have a picnic in your backyard or a nearby park.
- Plan an outing to a sporting or cultural event, such as a baseball game or summer festival.
- Listen to relaxation tapes that feature your favorite summer sounds—for example, a waterfall, gentle rain, birds or other wildlife.
- Sit on your front porch or balcony or go to a park and people-watch.
- Go to the local farmers market and marvel at the offerings. Pick up a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as favorite meat, cheeses and baked goods.
- Take a drive in the country.
Pamper yourself
- Buy toiletries in a favorite summer scent, such as lily of the valley or peach.
- Grill your favorite meats and vegetables on the barbecue. Try some new marinades or salad dressings, for variety.
- Stock up on refreshing drinks, such as lemonade and iced tea, or the necessary ingredients to make your own, if you prefer.
- Buy a box of favorite ice cream treats the next time you’re at the grocery store. Or head out to your local dairy for an ice cream cone, sundae, milkshake or float.
- Bring in flowers from your garden and display them in an attractive vase.
- Purchase something seasonal for your enjoyment—for example, an indoor plant, an addition to your wardrobe, wind chimes, a bird feeder or an outdoor lounge chair. Shop by catalog or the Internet if it’s hard to get out.
- Invest in a set of satiny smooth bed sheets.
- Buy votive candles in floral or fruit scents and place them in decorative holders.
- If you don’t have central air conditioning, get a window air conditioner, or oscillating fans for the rooms you use most. Keeping cool will help to prevent irritability and maintain your energy level.
Lisa M. Petsche is a medical social worker and a freelance writer specializing in boomer and senior issues.
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