The responsibility of caring for an older or disabled person at home can be challenging at the best of times. Assisting with shopping, preparing meals, personal care, and so on has never been more complicated than over the last year. Age UK offers some tips for carers to look after themselves and their loved ones in their own home.
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Take care of your own needs
Looking after your own wellbeing is the organisation’s number one piece of advice. It is easy to focus solely on the person you are caring for, but you can’t take care of them to the best of your ability if you are on the verge of burnout, emotionally, physically, or mentally. Take time to eat well, exercise, and sleep properly.
Make time for your own hobbies if at all possible, even if it is just reading a few chapters of a book or having a relaxing bath at the end of the day.
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Make sure the person you care for has a routine
Having a structure to their day can help to ward off anxiety, depression, and stress. Getting up and going to bed at the same time, spending time gardening or reading, and social activities can all keep the person mentally stable and stimulated.
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Encourage regular meals
Poor and irregular nutrition can cause a decline in mental and physical health, so try and make sure the person eats a well-balanced diet. Ideally, each meal should be taken at the same time each day, and consist of a mixture of fibre, protein, and carbs. Sometimes, stress or worry can cause over or under eating, so keep an eye on their appetite.
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Encourage physical activity
Everyone has different levels of mobility, so this may not be practical for some. However, if the person is capable of light exercise, this can ward off disease and boost their mood.
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