Caregiving has taken on a whole new meaning over the past year. While it has always been a difficult, yet rewarding role to play, the COVID-19 pandemic required caregivers to think differently about caring for loved ones under physical distancing guidelines. The one in four baby boomers who are caregivers tended to others from afar due to visitor regulations at senior living facilities, inability to travel across state lines and overall caution not to spread the virus.
As caregivers to our respective parents, we experienced not only these challenges, but also the personal stress carried due to not being able to advocate for their care onsite and concern that they would face feelings of isolation and loneliness in addition to their physical health needs. On top of that, for many months, we could not see or hug our parents. There is no doubt, despite all that we know about these challenges, that the past year took a mental and emotional toll on not only our parents, but also us as caregivers.
Caregivers’ emotional toll
While taking care of a loved one, caregivers too often do not prioritize one critical element: caring for themselves. It is impossible to be an effective caregiver to a family member or friend without also being mentally and physically well, yet so many caregivers put the well-being of others far ahead of their own. In fact, according to recent data from CVS Health and Morning Consult, 57% of caregivers agree that they do not prioritize their own mental health because they are focused on taking care of others. Further, even though many caregivers could not be with their loved ones in-person during the pandemic, the responsibility of being a caregiver did not go away — 41% of caregivers say that the amount of time they spend providing care has increased as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
As we continue to reach higher levels of vaccination and the world begins to open back up, we encourage caregivers to take time to consider how this role impacts their well-being and prioritize their own total health. While it can be difficult at times to find a way, here are three tips for caregivers to care for their own health right now.
Caring for a loved one is one of the most rewarding responsibilities in a person’s life. But with it also comes stressors and sometimes neglect of our own health, particularly in the past year as we all faced unique mental health hurdles brought on by the pandemic. As the saying goes, you cannot pour from an empty cup. We know it can feel like adding another item to the proverbial to-do list, but we encourage people to take time to care for yourself and prioritize your own well-being. It is a critical component to showing up as the best caregiver you can be to your loved ones and yourself.
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