This post is sponsored by Depend, Poise, Ensure and Glucerna but the content and opinions expressed here are my own.
Caregivers are a gift and caregivers come in all ages and from all situations. Often people think of caregivers as those who are taking care of their elderly family members but as we have experienced in our family that is not always true. Back in 2013, Jeremy had a very serious surgery that ended up taking him from work for a lot longer than we anticipated. This was a challenging season in our family and in the end the decision for the surgery was a blessing but man that was a struggle during the healing time.
I never thought that in our 30s I would become a caregiver for my husband but we were there in that stage for months. Looking back I am not sure how we all survived that season, especially with a newborn and a 3 year old but we did. Often I see other couples that are our age going through the same struggle and challenge and I think back to how we felt so alone and stressed. The life of a caregiver is hard, no matter the age and while you are in that role as a caregiver it is important to take care of yourself as well.
Self-Care Tips For Caregivers
Often, caregivers are called angels on earth but there are times that even the best angels find themselves burnt out. Caregivers care for people through some of the most difficult times in their lives, and often at the expense of taking care of themselves. In my case it was taking care of my husband and in the past I have also seen other family members get burnt out taking care of their parents, siblings and even best friends. The caregiver title is one that most people embrace but often feel lonely when in that position. I am sharing some Self-care tips for caregivers in hopes that all caregivers will take note and begin a self-care routine.
Take Time For You
All of us need an escape or hobby that brings us joy. This could be hiking, reading, writing, painting or even going to the movies. Find that hobby that allows you to have some time to yourself and use that time to find some joy, peace and rejuvenation. Because we are human, we have breaking points and the key to living a healthier life even as a family caregiver is to never reach that breaking point. Every caregiver should take time for themselves, especially during stressful seasons.
Do Not Forget To Sleep
I don’t know about you but when I am stressed I cannot turn my brain off when it is time to go to sleep. During my months of being a caregiver I found that I was in a terrible cycle of not sleeping when I should have and then ending up exhausted and sleeping half the day. Terrible and NOT healthy. Frankly, caregivers need to be alert and ready and when you are not getting enough sleep you will never be able to do your best as a caregiver. Good sleep is a necessity.
Be Prepared With Supplies
One of the most stressful things while caregiving is when you have to run to the store unplanned. This can really interrupt plans, doctor appointments, treatments, etc. Sam’s Club was our solution and still is! Sam’s Club cares about caregivers and with the Sam’s Club Family Caregiving Program, you’re able to stock up on all the supplies you need. Having those essentials like Poise, Ensure, Glucerna and Depends on hand means less stress for you as the caregiver.
With the Sam’s Club Family Caregiving Program you can count on discreet shipping or order ahead with Club Pickup and spend less time at the store. A caregivers time is so important and after being in the situation of feeling too young to have to worry about a caregiver, I know my husband really relied on the discreet shipping option. Sam’s Club will give the peace of mind to know that you can find what you need, when you need it, and how you need it!
Supplies For The Caregiver Too!
During this time in our lives I relied on Sam’s Club to help me with purchasing items for my husband but I also used it for myself as well. I was working full-time out of the home, being a mom to two kiddos as well as being a caregiver for my husband. My time was limited so being able to add items like Poise to our “cart” for myself really helped me during those crazy months.
Have you used the Club Pick-up option at Sam’s Club? If you have not, you need to try it. Even for your general items like food and toiletries this Club Pick-up is so helpful. Life is busy and this is a perfect way to spend less time walking through the club.
Ask For Help
One of the hardest things for me as a caregiver to do was to ask for help. I always had people offering to come over but I never took them up on it. Confession time – looking back I should have. It would have been beneficial for me as the caregiver but also for my husband the “patient”.
Not only can your family and friends help you through this time as a caregiver but also the Sam’s Club pharmacist is available to answer questions you may have about Family Caregiving supplies. For us, when we first entered this season we were confused about supplies, having an insightful pharmacist would have been a treasure for us.
Looking back I wish I would have taken some of these tips more seriously when I was living the caregiver life. There is a reason that caregivers get burnt out but using these tips might help the burn out not come so quickly or at all.
