Caregiver Respite: 4 ways to make time for yourself
Are you a caregiver for a senior loved one? If so, you probably focus on that person throughout much of your day (and night). Their needs, wants and wishes may come first. Are they too hot or too cold? Are they comfortable? Hungry? Are they drinking enough water? What can I do to increase their physical or mental strength? These are all valid concerns.
But what about YOU? What are your needs, wants and wishes? What about your physical and mental strength? Your days are long; sometimes you feel like you had a 32-hour day. It is as important for caregivers to take time for themselves as it is for them to care for the ones they love. If you are not at your best, physically or mentally, it will be harder for you to take care of them.
Here are 4 ways you can energize your body and spirit. Pick one and start today:
Workout. Go to a gym, park or even just around the neighborhood. Whether you walk, run, or lift weights, exercise is important to keep you feeling good, both physically and mentally. Schedule the time, like any other appointment, to get it done on a regular basis. Start with 10 minutes. Start today. There is a personal trainer three doors west of our Center.
Schedule a spa day. It’s nice to take your loved one to get her nails or hair done so she feels better about herself. But what about you? Take time once-in-a-while to get a mani/pedi, massage, facial or other spa service. Why? Just because! Go somewhere calm and relaxing and let the troubles of the day just melt away, even for a little while. You’ll come out feeling refreshed! There is a Mario Tricoci 150 feet from our Center.
Have a hobby. You think, “How can I have a hobby when I have my kids and husband to take care of, plus being a caregiver for my loved one (and possibly a job too)?” It could be as easy as regularly getting a new book from the library or more time-consuming as taking a class. The point is that you are learning something and growing. This is about you, not your family or co-workers. If you take part in something you enjoy, you will be more engaged mentally. There is an antique store five doors west of our Center; lots of cool items to look at as you enjoy some me-time.
Spend time with friends. We stress the importance of socialization for seniors. It helps to improve their attitude, reduces the risk of mental health issues like depression, and lowers blood pressure. The same is true for their caregivers. You spend a lot of time taking care of your loved one, but you also need time to be social with your friends. Have lunch, meet for drinks, or do one of the above items with a friend. It’s important for you to socialize with people outside of your family! Some of our favorite spots include Crosstown Pub & Grill, Sullivan’s, Top Golf and Ogden 6 Movie Theater (inexpensive and THE best popcorn on earth).
Make sure you take time for yourself!
Not only is it hard being a caregiver, it is also hard to take time for yourself when you are caring for a senior loved one. That is one of the reasons Naperville Senior Center is here; to create a ‘home away from home’ for your senior loved one AND give the caregiver, you, time to yourself. Whether you need time to run errands, work in the garden, catch up on chores, be more productive at work, get to the gym, take a class or just take a nap, we provide a safe, fun environment for our Members.
Each day our 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 us at 630.857.3017. You can also schedule a tour to see what we have to offer and understand the Naperville Senior Center experience, “Home Away From Home.”
"Thank you for taking care of my wife Judy during this difficult time. You and your staff have exceedingly surpassed my expectations. Judy seems to be much happier after becoming a member of your facility. I feel at peace knowing that she is in good hands."
"Once you take the free trial, you will be convinced that this is the place for your loved one. Both physical and mental activities are provided in a warm caring environment."
Naperville Senior Center, Adult Day Services is located at the corner of Naperville Blvd. & Ogden Avenue - right on the border of Lisle and Naperville.
Our facility’s ideal location provides easy access for employed family members to drop off or pick up their spouses or elderly family members.
ADULT SERVICES FREE TRIAL LIMITED TIME OFFER
Please fill out this form below or call us at (630) 857-3017
Free TRIAL is for new Members and their caregiver.
The trial visit is Monday-Friday from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm. Tour our adult day services facility. Observe some fun activities. Join us for lunch. Learn more at our Senior Adult Day Care center FREE TRIAL Receive Peace of Mind. *** No obligation! ***
Fast from Doom & Gloom; Feast on Positive Attitude
Fast from Doom & Gloom; Feast on Positive Attitude
Beginning of the Lent. The Lenten season leading up to Easter is usually about giving something up. Maybe in the past you gave up chocolate, caffeine, liquor, sweets or something else. But for many older adults considering joining an adult day service program, and others suffering from diabetes, fasting from food is unhealthy. Did you know March is also National Nutrition Month? Maybe we can give up something to promote healthy living instead of giving up something ‘just because.’
As a caregiver, you may be thinking that you already give up so much taking care of your loved one, your family, and your job. You haven’t had time for yourself in a long time.
But as a caregiver, taking care of yourself should be the first thing that you do. If you have ever been on an airplane, the flight attendants tell you, “in the event of an emergency, oxygen masks will come down. Make sure you put your mask on before you help someone else.” The same is true for your health. You cannot be at your best to help a loved one if you have not taken care of your own needs. That may include having time to get more work done at your office, get to the doctor, the spa, or even out for lunch with friends.
Caregivers: Let’s think about the Lenten ‘fasting’ in the reverse. What can you do during this season to have hope, feel refreshed and have peace of mind?
Feast on hanging with family
FAST on lack of time for self-care
FEAST on spa day
FAST on lousy job productivity
FEAST on the job promotion
FAST on not enough family time
FEAST on hanging with the family
FAST on feeling guilty
FEAST on being strong
FAST on fatigue
FEAST on increased energy
FAST on stress and anxiety
FEAST on peace of mind
When you have a positive attitude and are grateful for what you have, your outlook changes for the better. The internal conversation that you have with yourself is more powerful than you may realize. So make that conversation a positive one!
Future Members: Enroll your loved one in our program and they will also be able to “give up” many things:
Feast on friendships
FAST on being lonely and loneliness
FEAST on friendships
FAST on empty house
FEAST on community of friends and family
FAST on waiting for someone to call
FEAST on looking forward to tomorrow
FAST on isolation
FEAST on inclusion
FAST on depression
FEAST on happiness and cheerfulness
FAST on nobody to speak to
FEAST on conversation with friends
FAST on boredom
FEAST on exciting activities
Each day we provide our Members with the physical, mental and emotional tools they need to be joyful and filled with hope. Our members socialize, verbalize, improvise, evangelize, harmonize and sometimes they close their eyes. But most important is they socialize, exercise and a host of other activities to provide mental and physical stimulation.
Enroll your loved one into Naperville Senior Center, Adult Day Services. Neither you nor your loved one needs to be from Naperville to be a member of our inclusive center. You can also schedule a tour to see what we have to offer and understand the Naperville Senior Center experience, “Home Away From Home.” Call 630.857.3017 today!
"Thank you for taking care of my wife Judy during this difficult time. You and your staff have exceedingly surpassed my expectations. Judy seems to be much happier after becoming a member of your facility. I feel at peace knowing that she is in good hands."
"Once you take the free trial, you will be convinced that this is the place for your loved one. Both physical and mental activities are provided in a warm caring environment."
Naperville Senior Center, Adult Day Services is located at the corner of Naperville Blvd. & Ogden Avenue - right on the border of Lisle and Naperville.
Our facility’s ideal location provides easy access for employed family members to drop off or pick up their spouses or elderly family members.
ADULT SERVICES FREE TRIAL LIMITED TIME OFFER
Please fill out this form below or call us at (630) 857-3017
Free TRIAL is for new Members and their caregiver.
The trial visit is Monday-Friday from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm. Tour our adult day services facility. Observe some fun activities. Join us for lunch. Learn more at our Senior Adult Day Care center FREE TRIAL Receive Peace of Mind. *** No obligation! ***
Have you thought about adult day care for your loved ones? Adult day care can be the perfect way for your loved ones to receive the care, supervision and social interaction they need while you get the time you need to work or meet other family obligations.
If you’re on the fence about putting your loved ones in adult day care, consider these benefits:
A Sense of Purpose. One of the things that older people miss the most once they retire or become ill is a sense of purpose. They need a reason to get up in the morning! Spending day after day at home alone waiting for family or friends to come by can be isolating. Your loved one could be at risk of developing depression. Enrolling them in senior day care can restore a sense of purpose to their lives and give them a reason to be excited about getting up every day.
Providing Supervision. Many seniors are capable of staying in their own homes longer if they have periods of supervision. When they are home alone all the time they are more likely to have an accident. Getting out of the house and being in a supervised setting gives them a chance to remain independent longer.
Nutrition. Adult Day Care also benefits an individual’s nutrition. Many seniors end up not cooking nutritious meals for themselves because they don’t want to eat alone. Sometimes they just don’t want to make a full meal for themselves. In addition, they may not feel confident using the stove or cooking with heavy pots and pans. When your loved ones attend adult day care, they are getting at least one nutritious meal each day and eating in the company of others.
Caring for the Caregiver. The time spent at an adult day services facility provides respite for you — the caregiver. Don’t feel bad about needing time for yourself. You can’t be the only support for your elderly loved ones, especially if you have a job or a family of your own. It’s ok to say that you need time for yourself. Senior day care can give you the freedom to work all day without having to worry about the safety of your loved ones. Senior day care also gives you the freedom to take care of any errands or other family obligations. Or, you can take a spa day to restore your own mental and physical health. Taking care of yourself is of the utmost importance to be at your best for your loved one.
Mental Stimulation. Seniors need mental stimulation and often they don’t get enough. Activities, crafts, trips, and just being around other people can help your loved ones exercise their mental muscles. This helps them stay sharp and alert for longer periods of time. Studies have shown that seniors who don’t receive enough social interaction lose their mental faculties at a much faster rate than seniors who have strong social ties and get out of the house for activities and social occasions on a regular basis.
We know how you feel about leaving your senior loved one home alone.
Other families felt the same way. Once their loved one became a Member at Naperville Senior Center Adult Day Services, they found it was the right choice.
Call to action: contact us to schedule a FREE 3-hour trial at our facility so you can see what we have to offer and understand the Naperville Senior Center experience, “Home Away From Home”.
"Thank you for taking care of my wife Judy during this difficult time. You and your staff have exceedingly surpassed my expectations. Judy seems to be much happier after becoming a member of your facility. I feel at peace knowing that she is in good hands."
"Once you take the free trial, you will be convinced that this is the place for your loved one. Both physical and mental activities are provided in a warm caring environment."
Naperville Senior Center, Adult Day Services is located at the corner of Naperville Blvd. & Ogden Avenue - right on the border of Lisle and Naperville.
Our facility’s ideal location provides easy access for employed family members to drop off or pick up their spouses or elderly family members.
ADULT SERVICES FREE TRIAL LIMITED TIME OFFER
Please fill out this form below or call us at (630) 857-3017
Free TRIAL is for new Members and their caregiver.
The trial visit is Monday-Friday from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm. Tour our adult day services facility. Observe some fun activities. Join us for lunch. Learn more at our Senior Adult Day Care center FREE TRIAL Receive Peace of Mind. *** No obligation! ***
As we recognize National Family Caregiver Month, we are reminded that 75 percent of caregiving support for seniors is provided by a family member. That means about 44 million Americans care for family members or friends with conditions that keep them from managing basic daily tasks. These tasks may include bathing, preparing meals, managing medication, getting groceries, going to doctor’s appointments and more.
These caregivers help their loved ones maintain a decent quality of life, without having to go to a nursing home or other facility. But the strain on caregivers can be great. According to AARP, the ‘typical’ caregiver is a middle-aged female who is married (or living with a partner) and works outside the home. It is likely that this caregiver also has children. So she is caring for her parents or other loved one, her spouse, her children and maintaining a job. That is a lot to ask of anyone!
Caregivers should not just be recognized during National Family Caregiver Month, but all year long for their selfless support of their loved ones. But recognition is not enough. In addition to the recognition they deserve, these caregivers need a break. It doesn’t matter whether that break is to recharge their own batteries, have more time with their family, or finish that big project at work. They just need time to do things that are important to them.
That is why Naperville Senior Center was created. We provide a “home away from home” for seniors, while providing respite for their caregivers.
So during National Family Caregiver Month, let’s not call it November, but YESvember! Here are 8 ways to regain control of your life:
For caregivers:
Say no to stress and anxiety Say YES to calm
Say no to lack of time for self-care Say YES to spa day
Say no to worry Say YES to peace of mind
Say no to lousy job productivity Say YES to the job promotion
Say no to not enough family time Say YES to hanging with the family
Say no to feeling guilty Say YES to being joyful and strong
Say no to poor quality of life Say YES to a work and family balanced life
Say no to fatigue Say YES to increased energy
Caregivers should not feel guilty leaving their loved ones at Naperville Senior Center. We truly are their “home away from home.” Our Members can socialize and make new friends, overcome obstacles, walk longer distances, improve hand eye coordination, increase muscle strength, increase endurance, and improve their quality of life!
For Future Members:
Say no to being lonely and loneliness Say YES to friendships
Say no to empty house Say YES to community of friends and family
Say no to waiting for someone to call Say YES to looking forward to tomorrow
Say no to isolation Say YES to inclusion
Say no to desperation Say YES to hopefulness, calmness, and positivity
Say no to depression Say YES to happiness, delight, and cheerfulness
Say no to nobody to speak to Say YES to a room full of people
Say no to boredom Say YES to exciting activities
Each day our 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: learn how NSC can provide a respite for you and a great social environment for your loved one by contacting our Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant, Theresa, at 630.857.3017. You can also schedule a tour to see what we have to offer and understand the Naperville Senior Center experience, “Home Away From Home.”
"Thank you for taking care of my wife Judy during this difficult time. You and your staff have exceedingly surpassed my expectations. Judy seems to be much happier after becoming a member of your facility. I feel at peace knowing that she is in good hands."
"Once you take the free trial, you will be convinced that this is the place for your loved one. Both physical and mental activities are provided in a warm caring environment."
Naperville Senior Center, Adult Day Services is located at the corner of Naperville Blvd. & Ogden Avenue - right on the border of Lisle and Naperville.
Our facility’s ideal location provides easy access for employed family members to drop off or pick up their spouses or elderly family members.
ADULT SERVICES FREE TRIAL LIMITED TIME OFFER
Please fill out this form below or call us at (630) 857-3017
Free TRIAL is for new Members and their caregiver.
The trial visit is Monday-Friday from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm. Tour our adult day services facility. Observe some fun activities. Join us for lunch. Learn more at our Senior Adult Day Care center FREE TRIAL Receive Peace of Mind. *** No obligation! ***
As any caregiver can tell you, care giving is more than just taking care of your loved one’s physical health. Truly giving care means providing emotional support, socialization, and intellectual stimulation. However, many caregivers often sacrifice their own self-care in order to ensure they are fully caring for others.
It makes sense. Being a caregiver can be hard work, so any sort of short-cut, even if it means cutting out self-care, can seem appealing. But sacrificing me-time can lead to dangerous levels of burnout—reducing focus and increasing fatigue. For this reason, it is important to always be a self-caregiver when caring for someone else.
To jump start your new role as a self-caregiver, here are three tips to make the most of your me-time:
Practice Mindfulness: If your focus is always on other people, then it can be hard to get in touch with your own thoughts and feelings. To combat this, many caregivers are turning to mindfulness meditation for self care. It’s easier than it sounds. Mindfulness is simply the practice of slowing down your day and focusing on how YOU feel. For instance, when was the last time you paid attention to what it feels like to take a nice walk? Whether it means focusing on parts of your day that you already enjoy or going on YouTube and finding a seated meditation, mindfulness is a positive way to reconnect and refresh.
Treat Yourself: Caregivers deserve a little pampering too! Though treating yourself may seem like a non-necessity, that candy bar or salon visit can actually have a big impact on your mood. Treating yourself every once-in-a-while can pull you out of your daily rut and remind you that your work as a caregiver is something worth celebrating. This reminder will boost your day-to-day positivity and confidence, making you well-rested enough to take on your care giving role.
Get Some Sleep: We all know what difference a good night’s sleep can make. From improving mood to improving health, those precious 8 hours do so much for our well-being. Unfortunately, caregivers have a lot on their minds and often lose sleep because of it. If you can, try putting aside your caregiver duties one-hour before you go to sleep. Set that time aside for winding down (away from the TV!) and preparing to go to bed. If that hour is not an option, a quick 20 minute nap in the day can serve as a quick self care fix. Bottom line: your body needs sleep so find time for it!
However you decide to be a better self-caregiver, the important thing is that you find respite in the day. Everyone needs a break and a caregiver is no exception. That is one of the reasons Naperville Senior Center is in existence; to create a ‘home away from home’ for your senior loved one AND give the caregiver, you, time to yourself. Whether you need time to run errands, work in the garden, catch up on chores, be more productive at work, get to the gym, take a class or just take a nap, we provide a safe, fun environment for our Members.
Each day our 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 we have to offer and understand the Naperville Senior Center experience, “Home Away From Home.
"Thank you for taking care of my wife Judy during this difficult time. You and your staff have exceedingly surpassed my expectations. Judy seems to be much happier after becoming a member of your facility. I feel at peace knowing that she is in good hands."
"Once you take the free trial, you will be convinced that this is the place for your loved one. Both physical and mental activities are provided in a warm caring environment."
Naperville Senior Center, Adult Day Services is located at the corner of Naperville Blvd. & Ogden Avenue - right on the border of Lisle and Naperville.
Our facility’s ideal location provides easy access for employed family members to drop off or pick up their spouses or elderly family members.
ADULT SERVICES FREE TRIAL LIMITED TIME OFFER
Please fill out this form below or call us at (630) 857-3017
Free TRIAL is for new Members and their caregiver.
The trial visit is Monday-Friday from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm. Tour our adult day services facility. Observe some fun activities. Join us for lunch. Learn more at our Senior Adult Day Care center FREE TRIAL Receive Peace of Mind. *** No obligation! ***
Out of all the tasks a caregiver has to do in the day, setting and maintaining healthy boundaries can be the toughest thing. How can you say no to the person who raised you? Unfortunately, because setting boundaries is so difficult, many caregivers end up overworking themselves physically and emotionally in order to avoid having hard conversations. Even worse, many go to extremes, allowing themselves to burnout completely before establishing some healthy rules in the house.
Though it would be nice to have a master list of boundaries to set, no such list exists. The boundaries you need to set completely depend on your needs, your senior’s needs, and what’s going on in your lives. So in order to understand what boundaries you personally need to set, you really need to start focusing on your feelings.
What makes you feel overwhelmed? Maybe your mother refuses any outside help and that puts all of the caregiving duties on you. Maybe dad moved in and is trying to regain his old “head of the household” title. If it makes you upset, it’s a problem.
The best way to combat boundaries issues is to have a conversation. Explain how your life has been getting stressful and the ways you need to be accommodated as both a caregiver and a family member. Remind them that you need time for yourself, just like you did before you became a caregiver. Odds are they will understand. If they don’t, then keep trying to explain. It may take more than one conversation, so don’t feel that you have to push it all at once.
The important thing to remember is that you deserve to feel safe, loved, and cared for. Being a caregiver doesn’t take those needs away. That is one of the things Naperville Senior Center Adult Day Services is designed for; to 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.”
"Thank you for taking care of my wife Judy during this difficult time. You and your staff have exceedingly surpassed my expectations. Judy seems to be much happier after becoming a member of your facility. I feel at peace knowing that she is in good hands."
"Once you take the free trial, you will be convinced that this is the place for your loved one. Both physical and mental activities are provided in a warm caring environment."
Naperville Senior Center, Adult Day Services is located at the corner of Naperville Blvd. & Ogden Avenue - right on the border of Lisle and Naperville.
Our facility’s ideal location provides easy access for employed family members to drop off or pick up their spouses or elderly family members.
ADULT SERVICES FREE TRIAL LIMITED TIME OFFER
Please fill out this form below or call us at (630) 857-3017
Free TRIAL is for new Members and their caregiver.
The trial visit is Monday-Friday from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm. Tour our adult day services facility. Observe some fun activities. Join us for lunch. Learn more at our Senior Adult Day Care center FREE TRIAL Receive Peace of Mind. *** No obligation! ***
Naperville Senior Center, Adult Day Services is located at the corner of Naperville Blvd. & Ogden Avenue - right on the border of Lisle and Naperville.
Our facility’s ideal location provides easy access for employed family members to drop off or pick up their spouses or elderly family members.