As a family caregiver, your main concern is your senior loved one’s wellbeing. However, in the pursuit of caring for aging relatives, caregivers often neglect their own health and wellbeing. This may cause numerous physical and emotional problems that compromise the ability to care for a loved one. To safeguard your health and be the best caregiver possible, take note of the following health precautions.
Take Vitamin C
Widely available in common foods and drinks, vitamin C has been clinically proven to boost the immune system and reduce the risk of catching the common cold. Citrus fruit is perhaps one of the best sources of this essential vitamin. To get a sufficient dose of this nutrient, suck on vitamin C drops or drink orange juice while performing your daily duties.
Family caregivers need to care for their own wellbeing. If you’re caring for an aging loved one and are feeling overwhelmed, consider hiring a professional caregiver to provide at-home care. Cincinnati families who want to prevent burnout may turn to Assisting Hands Home Care. One of our professional caregivers may assist your loved one at home while you take a nap, go to work, run errands, or go on vacation.
Practice Good Hand Hygiene
Regular use of hand sanitizer may prevent the contraction of common illnesses that are caused by bacteria. Before coming into physical contact with older individuals who have weakened immune systems, caregivers should thoroughly disinfect their hands to prevent the spread of germs such as E. Coli and Staphylococcus. A hand sanitizer with aloe and other moisturizers may also minimize excessive dryness from repeated use throughout the day.
Get Enough Sleep
While caregiving is often a 24/7 job, it’s important to maintain a regular sleep schedule. Sleeping allows the body to rest and recover from the day’s challenges, and it also boosts the immune system. Without a proper night’s sleep, the body’s ability to fight off illness is weakened and deprives you of the ability to recuperate from the day before. Make sure you follow a regular sleep schedule and get at least seven hours of sleep each night to ensure optimal health.
One of the best ways to stave off the exhaustion that may result from caregiving is to delegate some of your duties to a professional caregiver. If you’re the primary family caregiver for an aging loved one and need additional assistance providing high-quality senior home care, Assisting Hands Home Care may help. We are a leading home care agency committed to changing the way seniors age.
Exercise Regularly
Caring for seniors requires plenty of strength and flexibility. Caregivers need to exercise routinely to be fully prepared to help seniors who cannot walk, stand, and move on their own. But they also need exercise to safeguard their own health. Exercising is an effective way to boost the immune system and keep your body strong enough to fight off infections.
Be Wary of Digital Gadgets
Electronic devices such as cell phones and tablets are covered in harmful bacteria that may leave your body vulnerable and spread to your loved one. Limit your use of smartphones and other mobile devices to minimize your risk of contracting illnesses. If you must use these devices, remember to wash your hands or use hand sanitizer to kill unwanted germs.
Caring for older adults may be an overwhelming task, especially if managed alone. Families who need help caring for senior loved ones may turn to Assisting Hands Home Care, a leading provider of Cincinnati homecare services. Services available in our customizable care plans include meal prep, mental and social stimulation, assistance with personal hygiene tasks, and much more. Reach out to one of our Care Managers today at 513-993-5025 to learn more about our high-quality home care services.
