Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1113313
maltatoday | SUNDAY • 5 MAY 2019 ELDERLY CARE S7 CARING for yourself is one of the most important things you can do as a family caregiver. When your needs are taken care of, the person you care for will benefit too. Researchers know a lot about the effects of care giving on health and well being. They pre- dict that a combination of loss, prolonged stress, the physical demands of care giving and the biological vulnerabilities that come with age place you at risk of significant health problems as well as an earlier death. Older caregivers are not the only ones who put their health and well being at risk. If you are a baby boomer who has assumed a caregiver role for your parents while simultaneously juggling work and raising adolescent chil- dren, you face an increased risk of depression, chronic illness and a possible decline in quality of life. Despite these risks, family car- egivers of any age are less likely to practise preventive healthcare and self-care behaviour than non-caregivers. You cannot stop the impact of a chronic or progressive illness or a debilitating injury on some- one. There is a great deal that you can do to take responsibility for your personal well being and to get your own needs met… you must ask yourself, "What good will I be to the person I care for if I become ill or if I die? " Recognise warning signs early. These might include irritability, sleep problems and forgetful- ness. Know your own warning signs, and act to make changes. Don't wait until you are over- whelmed. Identify sources of stress. Ask yourself, "What is causing me to be stressed?" Sources of stress might be that you are too busy, family disagreements, feelings of inadequacy or the inability to say no. Take action. Taking action to reduce stress gives us back a sense of control. Stress reducers can be simple activities like walk- ing and other forms of exercise, gardening, meditation or hav- ing coffee with a friend. Take a break from care giving. Get help with care giving tasks like bath- ing and preparing meals. Engage in activities that will make you feel healthier. Seniors Helping Seniors® In- home Services are here to help. Seniors Helping Seniors® In- home Services can provide a va- riety of services designed to help seniors remain independent while living in their own home or other living arrangement. We match active seniors who can provide a service in our community to other seniors who would benefit from receiving those services. We do our best to match personalities and activity levels and to encourage a strong friendship that is developed as seniors complete various ac- tivities throughout the day… to- gether. Like getting a little help from your friends® Don't wait until you are over- whelmed and exhausted or your health fails. Reaching out for help when you need it is a sign of personal strength. Discuss your health with a doc- tor. While caregivers will discuss their loved one's care with the physician, caregivers seldom talk about their own health, which is equally important. Remember, it is not selfish to focus on your own needs and desires when you are a caregiver – it's an important part of the job. Seek supportive counsel- ling when you need it, or talk to a trusted, friend, or priest. For more information con- tact Simon Fiorini Lowell at care@fiorinilowell.com or call 77733444 You must help yourself before you help others