Tips for Maintaining Your Marriage While You Care for Your Senior
Being a family caregiver for an elderly parent means giving your time, energy, effort, and resources to making sure their needs are met effectively and efficiently. This can mean taking this energy and effort away from other important elements of your life.
You may find yourself not spending as much time with your partner, or focusing on maintaining your relationship because of your busy schedule and stress.
This, however, can just result in more stress and diminished quality of life. Focusing on maintaining your marriage and finding strength and comfort in your partner while caring for your senior can make a tremendous difference in your care routine, as well as your normal life.
Use these tips to help you focus on maintaining your marriage while you care for your senior:
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- Take a few minutes at least once a day to hug your partner and tell them you love and appreciate them. This physical contact will keep you feeling connected, and give you reassurance. Studies have also shown physical contact eases stress and produces a sense of well-being, while lack of touch leaves people feeling neglected and disconnected.
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- Write your partner notes and slip them into their briefcase, purse, car, or wherever you think they will find them. This not only lets you think about them but shows your partner they are important in your mind.
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- Call your partner during the day. Let hearing their voice relax and comfort you, and show them they are on your mind.
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- Thank them for the help they give you. Even if you feel like they should be stepping up to help with your children, your home, and other tasks, show your appreciation for what they do. This makes you feel good, and also makes them feel acknowledged, which supports a stronger relationship.
- Plan date nights together in the same way you plan appointments, meetings, and other important plans. Put them on your calendar, and do not miss them. Making this time a priority is vital to keep your bond strong, and give your brain a chance to rest and heal from the stress of caregiving.
Being a family caregiver for an elderly adult requires time, energy, and effort.
The obligations and responsibilities you have in the rest of your life, however, don’t go away because you’ve made the decision to be a family caregiver. This means you have to find ways to give of yourself to fulfilling your parent’s needs, while also maintaining the other relationships and elements of your life.
Starting home care for your parent can be a wonderful way to ensure they get everything they need to maintain their health, safety, and well-being, while also giving you the time you need for yourself, your marriage, your children, and the rest of your life. This allows you to feel confident your senior has the quality of life they desire and deserve, while you are also able to support your own health and well-being, and preserve your lifestyle for after your care experience comes to an end.
If you or an aging loved one is considering Home Health Care in Water Mill, NY, call the caring staff at Artful Home Care today at 631-685-5001.
Source:
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