What to Do When Taking a Break from Your Caregiving Duties

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How to Spend Time Off from Caring for Your Parent in Toronto, ON

Being a caregiver can be an overwhelming duty, and the pain of seeing your mother or father become less able may be difficult to manage, which is why it’s important to take time for yourself. Here are some of the things you can do when taking a break from caregiving.

Put Together a Support System

Taking time off from your caregiving duties is important for your physical and mental health. To ensure you’re able to relax and take some time away, work out your support system as early as possible. Hire a professional caregiver for a few hours a week, or enlist the help of a relative or family friend to provide some respite care.

Family caregivers sometimes need a break from their caregiving responsibilities. When they need respite care, Toronto families can rely on professional caregivers to help their senior loved ones remain safe at home.

Develop Hobbies of Your Own

When you finally get some time to yourself, you need something to look forward to. Maybe you have some hobbies you enjoyed long ago that you could start again, or perhaps it’s time to learn something new. Reading, doing puzzles and crafts, and gardening are all popular hobbies you can consider. If you don’t know what you want to do, look at your local community college or community center. These places often have adult education classes for a minimal cost and you can learn about many different topics.

Take Time for Self-Care

Sometimes even a small break from caregiving can make a big difference. A long hot bath at the end of the day may relax you and help you prepare for the next day. Exercising for half an hour in the morning is a great way to start the day off, and taking a few minutes to paint your nails or read a favorite book may provide the relaxation you need and deserve.

Hiring a professional caregiver is one of the best ways to take a break from your caregiving duties to focus on self-care. Toronto, ON, home care professionals can be a wonderful boon to seniors. Whether they require around-the-clock supervision or just need assistance with exercise and household tasks a few days a week, seniors can enjoy a higher quality of life with the help of trusted in-home caregivers.

Cultivate Friendships and Relationships

Being a caregiver can be stressful and isolating. Don’t get so busy and stressed that you forget about the other people in your life. When you have time off from caregiving, go out for dinner or coffee with your friends. If you have a partner, make time for date nights.

Watch Out for Your Own Health

When you are overwhelmed with caregiving responsibilities and worrying about your parent’s health, it can be easy to let your own health slide. Make sure you’re looking out for yourself as well. Keep appointments for regular physicals and dental appointments. If you need any medications, make sure you take them as prescribed.

Caring for an aging loved one can be a difficult task, especially when it is managed alone. Families who need additional assistance caring for an elderly loved one should consider hiring a professional caregiver. Toronto, ON, seniors and their families trust in Home Care Assistance to provide high-quality in-home care on an as-needed basis. Our caregivers take pride in helping seniors remain healthy while promoting their quality of life. To learn about our high-quality in-home care plans, give us a call at (416) 488-8777 today.

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