When taxiing out on a runway in a jet, you will hear versions of the following per Federal Law:

“In the event of the loss of cabin pressure, oxygen masks will drop from the panel above you.  Place the mask over your mouth and nose and breath normally.  When assisting another person or a child, remember to put your mask on first…”

We have heard this so much and so often that we have forgotten the importance of the last part; “…put your mask on first.”

It may seem selfish, but if you don’t put your mask on first, you will not be able to help those around you.  This applies to an aging relative as much as air safety.

Let’s be honest, the aging process can be challenging and tiring. Whether you are caring for an aging relative or supporting a friend or family member who is recovering from an accident, being supportive to the people around you in the process is one of the most loving things you can do for someone. In a time of vulnerability and insecurity, you can be a pillar of support and strength for them. Even though this service is loving, supportive, and encouraging, that doesn’t mean that it won’t be hard.  When we get asked for advice about the process of caring for a loved one, our main tip is that long-term care ‘is a marathon, not a sprint”. This classic quote, while maybe a tad overused, stands true in this area. It’s important to care for yourself to prevent getting burned out. In our field, we most often see this as a child caring for a parent or a spouse caring for their wife/husband, but the truth is that this burnout can happen to anyone who is caring for someone in their life.

As we said before, this support role you are playing is vital to the betterment, growth, and happiness of you, your community, and the person you are caring for. That means that making time for rest is vital to taking care of that person. If you let yourself get burned out or don’t ask for support from others, it will ultimately make the process harder and more tiring. We’ve seen many people go through this process, and we have compiled three tips to avoid being burned out.

1. ASK FOR HELP 

This simple task is one of the most important there is. You may feel alone in the process of caring for a loved one, but that is not true! We understand that many people have different family relationships or financial freedoms, which can both affect asking for help, but there are great options for anyone no matter your position.

If you are the sole caregiver for your loved one and you are feeling the burden, don’t hesitate to communicate that to the family and friends around you. If it isn’t possible to do so, you can reach out to home care companies (like ours!) to get help caring for your loved one. We find much joy in helping care for your loved ones and relieving stress.

You can also join support groups online or in person. These groups can help you feel less isolated in your journey because there are others going through the same thing as you. Just remember that you are not alone, and there is no shame in admitting if you need help in this process which can be very hard!

2. MAKE TIME FOR YOURSELF

This tip can feel obvious, but it’s really important. When you are caring for an aging parent or loved one, your whole world can become solely about them and their care. It’s great to be focused on their health, but you also need to take time to care for yourself. It is important for your own mental and physical health to find time to do things that will bring you rest and joy. This can be as simple as scheduling a day off, taking time to move your body, taking the afternoon to take a nap, or finding activities that bring you peace and relaxation.

This tip is really vital to giving yourself time to rest, which will ultimately help you care for your loved one better. So make sure to take time for yourself!

3. SET BOUNDARIES

Like we said above, in the aging process of caring for a loved one, your own life can often take the back burner while you care for others. This type of dedication is admirable, but it isn’t sustainable long term. As we stated at the beginning of this post, you have to be prepared for a marathon, not a race. That is why it is important to set boundaries for yourself while caring for others. We often associate boundaries as being cold or defensive but they can actually be very loving, respectful, and caring for others. It’s important to consistently reassess your own boundaries, abilities, and energy. If you don’t do this regularly, it is much easier to become burned out, exhausted, and frustrated. By reassessing your personal health, you are allowing yourself to care for others in the best way. It’s sometimes for the best to let others help you out and create a space of joy for your loved one.

Being aware of these tips, and how to allow yourself time to rest will be the best for you, your loved one, and your surrounding community. We hope these tips are helpful as you go through this process. We are always here to help, whether that is by providing care for your family, or by simply being a listening ear to your process and helping you find the best path forward. You aren’t alone and you deserve to rest!