Caregiver Safety: Family caregivers frequently fall into a trap where they do so much for others that they don’t do enough for themselves.
You’re helping your parents all week long. By the time the weekend arrives, there’s a lot you still have to get done. As much as you’d like to spend time outside being active, you can’t imagine taking time for yourself.
Self-care and caregiver safety is essential when you’re a family caregiver. In addition to activity helping with your mental and emotional health, it also reduces your fall risk. It’s time to consider that you’re not getting younger, and learn ways to prevent future falls is important.
There’s another reason to start taking steps to reduce your own fall risk. While you make the necessary lifestyle changes, you can have your parents join in. They’ll enjoy doing things with you, which helps build strength and stamina to stop them from falling. It’s a win-win situation.
Go for Walks
Get outside every day and go for a walk. If it’s snowy or icy, ice cleats strapped to your shoes help you maintain your balance on icy driveways, stairs, and sidewalks. If it’s shadowy or dark in the early morning or night, wear reflective clothing.
Bring your parents with you for the walks if they are mobile. Start slow and increase the pace as your leg muscles become more toned. As stamina increases, go farther.
Take Tai Chi Lessons
Sign up for tai chi lessons. You can go to a local studio to learn in a group, take private lessons, or put on a video and workout at home. Tai chi also helps reduce stress and anxiety. If tai chi isn’t appealing to you, yoga is a great alternative.
Caregiver Safety: Know the Facts
How old are you? By the time you’re 65, one-quarter of Americans in your age group fall at least once per year. The CDC reports that unintentional injury deaths, including falls, are among the top three leading causes of death after 35. It’s not just the elderly who fall.
What are some of the leading reasons people fall? Accidents on icy stairs and sidewalks are one reason. A sedentary lifestyle plays a part. Dizziness from a health condition like diabetes can also increase the risk.
Are you spending so much time caring for your parents that you don’t take time for yourself? It’s time to change that to be sure you are practicing caregiver safety. Home care services help your parents and allow you the time you need for self-care. Talk to a home care specialist and ask about respite care so that you can take breaks as needed.
If you or an aging loved-one are considering hiring Homecare in Gold Canyon, AZ, or anywhere in the East Valley, please contact the caring staff at Legacy Home Care.
Call (480) 777-0070
Sources:
https://aging.com/falls-fact-sheet/
Legacy Home Care has been serving the valley since 2007. We are family owned and operated with over 75 caregivers. We offer a customized care plan that includes services such as: Hourly Senior Home Care, 24-Hour Home Care, Dementia Care, Personal Care and Companion Care. Also ask us about our Veterans' Home Care program.
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