Why Your Family Caregiver Holiday is Vital
Here are 4 reasons why you should take that holiday and some well-deserved rest and relaxation as a family caregiver.
Being a family caregiver is an incredibly noble and selfless role; sacrificing your time, career and quality time to look after someone you love. But it’s essential to keep your own cup full, not just theirs to protect your mental and physical health.
Caring for your family member may not always feel stressful, but the responsibility for another’s wellbeing can take its toll.
Here are 4 reasons why you should take that holiday and some well-deserved rest and relaxation.
1) Prevent burnout before it starts
Burnout is a state of emotional exhaustion, often caused by prolonged stress. It can manifest as disinterest in activities and work, stomach and head aches and problems sleeping.
Without taking regular breaks, like holidays, it can lead to physical and mental health issues, like clinical depression or heart disease. You deserve time to recover.
2) Providing Better Care
How can you provide good care to someone else if you’re running on empty?
Making sure you’re eating well, sleeping well and allowing yourself space and time relax all contributes to being your best self. Cars can’t run on an empty tank; the same way you won’t be able to provide the care you want for your loved one. Holidays are a chance to refresh yourself.
3) Maintain your own identity
Sometimes it can be difficult to be your own person when you’re always putting someone else’s needs before your own.
Holidays are the perfect time to spend time on YOU – whether its catching some important Vitamin D on the beach or jetting off to a new city, you deserve time to remind yourself of all the things YOU love. You’re a caregiver, but you’re also a friend, a partner and your own human being.
4) Protect your relationship from resentment
Even the most loving and patient caregivers can reach a point of overwhelm.
Frustration can build – it’s only natural when you’re always worrying about someone else. Caregiving can affect your relationships, social life, finances and hobbies, even if you’re happy to provide the care. Taking time away from those you care for during holidays and breaks is a good way to maintain healthy emotional boundaries.
Caregiving is one of the most loving things we can do, but it doesn’t have to be at the detriment of ourselves. Make sure you take those breaks and holidays as often as you can – you deserve good care just as much!
If you’re worried about leaving your loved whilst you’re on holiday, let Home Instead take care of it.
Home Instead can provide bespoke homecare to adults to keep them living in the homes they love for longer.