Caregivers New Year's Resolutions

by Kristine Dwyer, LSW

In this new year, I will...

• Learn to take one hour out of each day just for myself to read, enjoy a hot bath, journal my
  thoughts or call a friend.
• Attend at least one caregiver support group to realize that I am not alone and that I can learn from others
• See my doctor for a physical exam and give my own health needs more priority.
• Use respite care at least once a month so that I may get a break and be refreshed. I will consider using the time I have to discover the benefits of massage therapy, the joy of a musical concert, self expression in a painting class or a day at the spa to find stress relief.
• Eat a balanced diet and exercise at least 20 minutes three times a week even if all I can do is walk around the house, up and down the stairs or exercise from a chair.
• Seek out one new resource to support my caregiver role such as chore services, housekeeping, home care programs or delivered meals.
• Try to find a way to laugh or find humor in the day amidst the sadness or discouragement I may feel.Reach out to my family and friends to help with my loved one so that the weight of my responsibility can be lifted and shared. One way I can do this is to keep a list of needs handy so that when help is offered, I can be ready with an answer.
• Seek spiritual support or personal counseling to gain perspective of my life, clarity of my role and keep my mental health in check.
• Finally, by focusing on these resolutions, I will be able to reap the rewards of caregiving,
  maintain balance in my life and provide care longer for my loved one.

Caregiving Support – For Adult Caregivers Who Care for Other Adults
Are you caring for another adult in your home, or caring for someone in a nursing home, or caring for another adult who lives out - of - town? If you are, you know the challenges and joys of helping another adult in a difficult time of their life. This group meets the third Wednesday of the month at 3:00 PM, this month the date is January 20th. If you need support before our next meeting, please call the church office