As the number of caregivers grow in the United States, Belmont Village Senior Living, a leading developer, owner and operator of senior living communities, recognizes the importance of supporting caregivers, especially their mental health, this National Caregivers Day, Feb. 16, 2024. Many family caregivers provide unpaid help to their loved ones, often on top of a full-time job or other family responsibilities, leaving little time to care for themselves. While there are many benefits of caregiving, studies have shown that caregivers have chronic stress and higher rates of depression.
“Of the nearly 48 million caregivers, 26% are caregiving for a loved one with Alzheimer’s or dementia, which can have a tremendous impact on a caregiver’s mental health,” said Joyce Mahoney, CTRS, APRS, Regional Vice President of Memory Care and Programming, Belmont Village Senior Living. “Many caregivers feel guilty in prioritizing their own health as it takes time away from their loved one. However, not doing so can lead to burnout, chronic stress and exhaustion.”
It is important that caregivers make a plan to focus on their own physical and mental health. It may seem overwhelming for caregivers to arrange time for themselves, so Belmont Village Senior Living has outlined tips and resources for caregivers.
Find Time Each Day for Yourself
Prioritizing the physical and mental health of caregivers not only benefits the caregiver, but their loved one they are taking care of. Finding opportunities for physical exercise, even short walks, helps relieve stress. Making time for a hobby can offer a mental break from caregiving.
Connect with Family and Friends
Being a caregiver can be isolating, so spending time with family and friends helps provide support and socialization. It can also help caregivers recharge.
Explore Respite Care
Respite care can be a crucial lifeline for caregivers. In fact, studies have found that older adults who interact with people outside their usual circle of family and friends were more likely to have higher levels of physical activity and greater positive moods. Respite care offers caregivers some time off to tend to their own needs and can help alleviate the physical and emotional strains associated with continuous caregiving. Respite care can be a few hours to several weeks, depending on your needs. There are options for in-home care, adult day care centers and senior living communities, including Belmont Village communities which can provide transitional care between hospital and home
Prioritize Sleep
Lack of sleep can have a profound effect on mental health. Developing a consistent bedtime routine helps with falling asleep as does waking up and going to bed around the same time.
Maintain Your Own Health
Research has shown that caregivers have higher rates of physical ailments. Yearly doctor’s and dentist’s appointments are extremely important to ensure caregivers stay healthy. Performing daily tasks for loved ones, such as bathing, can cause physical strain, so it is important that physicians know you are a caregiver. They may be able to recommend resources and support.
Ask for Help
Caregiving can be all consuming and not provide caregivers with much time to themselves. Having a support system of trusted friends or family who can help take care of a loved one can give caregivers a much-needed break.
Belmont Village Senior Living has many additional resources for caregivers, including a dementia care page and a webinar library that includes education content, as well as regulary-scheduled caregiver support groups and respite care.
About Belmont Village Senior Living
Founded in Houston in 1997, Belmont Village is an integrated developer, owner, and operator of high-quality senior living communities, with more than 4,700 employees and 5,000 units in total. Its 35 operating locations across the country and in Mexico City, provide award-winning assisted living and memory care programs and ongoing collaboration including UC San Diego, USC, UCLA and more to continually improve their cognitive health and evidence-based enrichment programs. The company is a market leader in major markets including the San Diego, San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston, Dallas, Austin, and South Florida. Renowned for distinctive design, high standards of life and safety, and reputation for leading edge, quality of care, Belmont Village is certified as a Great Place to Work®, has been ranked as one of FORTUNE Magazine’s 50 Best Workplaces for Aging Services since 2018, and has been recognized by U.S. News & World Report as Best in Senior Living. www.belmontvillage.com. LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.
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