The definition of surviving is “to continue to live or exist,” while thriving means “to grow or develop well, to prosper or flourish.” Which one of these definitions best describes you today?

For family members who are the primary caregiver for a loved one, you may have answered, ‘surviving,’ and you would not be alone. Being a caregiver AND being a spouse, parent, employee and friend can be challenging. How can you do it all?

Sometimes it becomes a Catch-22: if you spend time with your loved one, you feel like you are ignoring your family or job; if you spend time with your family or doing your job, you are ignoring your loved one. The stress can wear anyone down.

Here are 3 tips to thrive, not just survive, while being a caregiver for a senior loved one:

• Prioritize. Whether you prioritize your month, week or day (or all of the above), understand what the most important things are that need to be done. Work down your list, checking items off as you go. If someone else can help you finish a task, ask for their assistance. You don’t have to do everything yourself. Don’t sweat the small stuff.
• Understand Your Emotions. How do you feel? Physically, emotionally, mentally. Being a caregiver is hard work on top of everything else you have to do. Does that make you sad, mad, frustrated or stressed? Understand why you feel how you do and work to change those feelings. By improving your emotional state, you can improve your physical and mental states as well. This will put you in a much better position to care for your loved one, yourself and your other family members.
• Have ‘Me’ Time. Whether you just go for an hour massage or yoga class, or get away for a day, take time to recharge your batteries. Make sure you put ‘me’ time towards the top of your priority list so it doesn’t get pushed to the side. No one will fault you for wanting to have a little time to yourself. Again, with a little time to yourself, you will be in a much better position to care for your loved one, yourself and your other family members.

Sometimes it is hard to thrive while being a caregiver when you have other responsibilities to your family, your career and yourself. That is one of the reasons Naperville Senior Center Adult Day Services exists. We create a ‘home away from home’ for your senior loved one AND give the caregiver, you, time to yourself. Whether you need time to be more productive at work, help your kids with their homework, get them to after-school activities or take time for yourself, we provide a safe, fun environment for our Members.

Each day Members spend time socializing, verbalizing, improvising, evangelizing, visualizing, exercising, having fun, and a host of other activities to provide mental and physical stimulation.

Call to action: to learn more about how NSC can provide a respite for you and a great social environment for your loved one, contact our Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant, Theresa, at 630.857.3017. You can also schedule a tour to see what they have to offer and understand the Naperville Senior Center experience, “Home Away From Home.”