_ My faith community is aware of, and supports, my caregiving situation. _ If I have attended religious services in the past, I continue to do so. _ When I feel I cannot handle difficult emotions on my own, I get help. _ I understand that typical emotional responses to caregiving include denial, anxiety frustration, anger, guilt, shame, and grief. _ I have at least one outlet for stress (e.g., an enjoyable activity, confiding in someone, writing, exercise, meditation or relaxation techniques) that I use regularly. _ I’m getting ongoing emotional support for my caregiving situation from at least one person. _ I’m keeping up with at least one activity I enjoy. _ I’m seeing family and friends on a regular basis. _ I’m taking my own medications on schedule. Could you add a morning walk with friends into your routine, or go to bed one hour earlier, for example? It’s OK to start small! SELF-CARE FOR THE CAREGIVER Physical Health Then, choose just one new aspect to focus on for the week. How many aspects can you currently check? Take a look at our Self-Care Checklist below (or, download and print out a copy here and put somewhere you regularly see, such as your refrigerator or planner). Secondly, when your needs are taken care of, the person you care for will benefit too. First of all, self-care is important for your own health! Research shows that caregivers can be at an increased risk for depression and chronic illness. Here at Iona, we encourage caregivers to practice good self-care. All too often, caregivers ignore their own needs for the sake of helping somebody else, especially if their relative’s needs seem so much more present due to a chronic illness. If you’ve ever been responsible for supporting the care of another person, you can probably attest to the physical and emotional strains. Sponsor a Food or Product Drive Toggle Submenu.Attend Heart of Iona Tour Toggle Submenu. Donate to Iona’s Loan Closet Toggle Submenu.Community & Corporate Services Toggle Submenu.Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementia Programs Toggle Submenu.Subsidized Case Management Services Toggle Submenu.
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