Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/916779
maltatoday, SUNDAY 17 DECEMBER 2017 VI CARING for yourself is one of the most important—and one of the most often forgotten—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 predict 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 for 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 care-giver 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. But despite these risks, family caregivers of any age are less likely than non-caregivers to practise preventive healthcare and self- care behaviour. You cannot stop the impact of a chronic or progressive illness or a debilitating injury on someone for whom you care. But 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 forgetfulness. Know your own warning signs, and act to make changes. Don't wait until you are overwhelmed. Identify sources of stress. Ask yourself, "What is causing stress for me?" Sources of stress might be that you have too much to do, family disagreements, feelings of inadequacy, or the inability to say no. Take action. Taking some 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 having coffee with a friend. Take a break from care giving. Get help with care giving tasks like bathing 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 receiv- ing those services. We do our best to match personalities and activity levels and to encour- age a strong friendship that is developed as seniors complete various activities throughout the day… together. 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 doctor. While caregivers will discuss their loved one's care with the physician, caregivers seldom talk about their own health, which is equally impor- tant. Remember, it is not selfish to focus on your own needs and desires when you are a caregiv- er—it's an important part of the job. Seek supportive counselling when you need it, or talk to a trusted, friend, or priest. For more information contact Simon Fiorini Lowell at care@ fiorinilowell.com or call 2738 3161 Elderly Care Only when we rst help ourselves can we e ectively help others