• Stay active – Exercise offers excellent mental
You can count on an SRES® to guide you through
the process of buying or selling your home, making
the transaction less stressful and more successful.
PROTECT YOUR EMOTIONAL HEALTH
• Take “me” time – If this means asking someone
else to watch your loved one for a few hours,
then ask. You may need to look into local adult
day care programs or respite care programs
through your local hospice or other organization.
Get out and do something fun regularly—and
without guilt!
• Don’t isolate yourself – Maintain your family
and social relationships. You may have to adjust
how and where you meet, and how often, but
don’t sacrifice your own life for someone else’s.
Doing so will only encourage a sense of stress
and resentment.
• Find a support group – Look for local support
groups for caregivers, or join one online. You
need to be able to talk to people who know what
your challenges are—and can offer suggestions!
• Reduce your stress – If you have a relaxing
hobby, pursue it. If you haven’t tried meditation
or yoga, now might be the time to give it a shot.
Even regular stretching or breathing exercises can
help reduce stress.
PRIORITIZE YOUR OWN SELF-CARE
• Eat properly – Nourish your body to prevent
illness and physical stress. Recognize that
grabbing a quick bite of fast food on a regular
basis will eventually damage your health.
The Seniors Real Estate Specialist® (SRES®) designation is awarded by the
SRES® Council, a subsidiary of the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR).
To learn more about SRES® and access various consumer resources,
please visit SRES.org
and physical benefits, plus it reduces your
chance of chronic illness and disease.
• Look after yourself – Don’t postpone your
own medical needs. Stay in bed if you need
to. Make regular doctor/dentist appointments
for yourself.
• Get adequate rest – Sleep deprivation has
been proven to trigger numerous physical
and mental ailments. Caregiving can interrupt
sleep, so rest whenever you are able. If your
charge is taking a nap, you should too!
After all, when flying on an airplane, you are
always told that, in case of an emergency, you
should put on your air mask BEFORE assisting
others. Why? If you don’t take care of yourself
first, you won’t be able to care for anyone else.
The same holds true for every caregiver.
Self-Care
for Caregivers
If you are providing care for someone else on an occasional, part-time, or full-time basis,
you may need a little support yourself.
Many children of older parents underestimate the number of extra chores they are taking on
to “help Mom out” or to “take care of Dad.” Miscalculating the investment can also mean
misjudging the toll on their own lives.
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