You may be acting as a primary caregiver to an aging parent or other loved one, but that doesn’t mean you should put your health as a second priority.
Remember, if something happens to you, there will not only be a monumental shift in responsibilities among your loved ones, there may not be anybody to step in and support this senior. Yes, it could be your elderly mother or grandmother who is relying on you right now, but what if you get sick, such as developing some type of cancer?
Is your brother or sister, spouse, or other family member going to be able to step in and provide the support you’ve been doing? If they don’t live close to you, that might not be practical. And, even if they do live in the general vicinity and have some time, not everyone is willing to do what you’ve done.
Yes, what you’ve done as a family caregiver is noble.
It should be celebrated. However, the first priority you have in your life is to take better care of yourself. If you are not doing that, you run an increasing risk of developing certain health issues or facing a health emergency that could land you in the hospital or otherwise be unable to discharge your responsibilities and self-imposed duties as a family caregiver.
But what if you don’t have time to visit a doctor?
This is an easy excuse many family caregivers make when it comes to focusing on themselves. They simply ‘don’t have time.’
Well, if that is truly the case because of your work, family, or responsibilities as a caregiver, help is available. No, you don’t need to hire a home care aide for full-time. You don’t have to hire a home care aide for around-the-clock care.
Through an agency, you can depend on a professional, experienced caregiver for just a couple of hours once or twice a week, if that’s all you need in the beginning. That can give you more than enough time to focus on your health, get exercise, and get to your doctor for regular health screenings.
The older a person is, the more vital it becomes to go through regular screenings, including for colorectal cancer. Don’t let these opportunities slip away from you and leave you grappling with serious health issues yourself.
Take care of yourself, count on the support of home care, and continue being a beacon of light to your family and the senior in your life.
If you or an aging loved-one is considering a Caregiver in Bloomington, MN please contact the caring staff at Great Oak Senior Care, Inc. today. (952) 767-4925
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