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How to Find Balance as a Family Caregiver

October 18, 2016

Caregivers in Hobe Sound FL

Caregivers in Hobe Sound FLBalance is one of those buzz words that can be difficult to define. Ultimately, you'll have to decide for yourself when you feel balanced and that can mean paying better attention to what is going on within you.
What Does Balance Mean for You? Balance can have a variety of definitions for everyone in your life and it can even mean something different to you at different times and stages of your caregiving journey. Most often, balance for a family caregiver can mean that all of the different aspects of your life are getting what they need from you. The problem can come in when you forget to factor yourself into that equation and wind up feeling overwhelmed by meeting everyone else's needs.
Balance Is Ever Changing Finding true balance in any situation can be incredibly elusive. It's something that is constantly changing because the events in your life are always changing. Also, as you grow and learn, you have different skills to offer in your caregiving journey. The moment that you start to believe that any situation is static is when you'll experience a change that throws you for a real loop.
You Have to Meet Your Own Needs One of the main reasons that family caregivers wind up feeling overwhelmed is that they're juggling the needs of their elderly loved one, their boss, their family, and other responsibilities, but they've forgotten themselves. You might not realize it at first, but that's where those feelings of being in over your head can start. Focusing on what you need, whether that's more help, more sleep, better food, or even time away can help you to regain your equilibrium.
Reassess Often Because your caregiving journey isn't static, you have to reassess often. There's no such thing as achieving balance finally and then never having to worry about it again. Your own care, your loved one's care, and your other responsibilities will all cause you to have to revisit your priorities over and over again. At different stages in your caregiving journey, you or your elderly loved one may need different levels of support. Understanding that can help you to anticipate the changes you need to make to maintain your balance.
If you or an aging loved one are considering caregivers in Hobe Sound, FL, contact the caring staff at BrightStar Care of Jupiter. Call today (561) 741-1200.