Throughout the U.S., there are more than 37 million unpaid caregivers who assist someone age 65 or older. That’s 14% of the entire population. That number is likely to grow, since almost 70% of seniors will need some type of supportive care as they age and the senior population itself is rising. A caregiver’s natural inclination is to help, but encouraging self-care can benefit both your loved one and you.

Whether you drop by a few times a month to check in on mom and dad or you spend time every day helping them with household and personal tasks, caregiving is a labor of love. But it can be a tough job. You have to strike a balance so that you do not inadvertently impact your loved ones' sense of independence.

Think of yourself as a facilitator as well as a caregiver. Empowering your loved one to be more proactive about their own physical, mental, and spiritual well-being will help preserve their dignity and self-esteem. It can also boost their overall health. 

INDEPENDENCE IS MORE THAN A STATE OF MIND

While there are many beautiful things that come with aging, it can also be hard to accept. Self-care focuses on what you can still do for yourself, especially things you enjoy. That lifts the spirits and helps maintain mental acuity, physical ability, and self-confidence.

Self-care also includes health care. Nutrition, exercise, and other healthy behaviors can improve physical and mental health, slow or minimize effects of chronic disease, and enhance overall well-being.

TIPS TO PROMOTE ACTIVE SELF-CARE

Getting each day off to a good start will help motivate your loved one to follow up with other self-care practices throughout the day. Consider suggesting that they start each day with some deep breathing and stretching. These simple activities boost circulation and flexibility but are also calming. Encourage your senior loved one to make time during the day for:

• Nutritious, sit-down meals instead of grabbing something on the fly or, even worse, skipping eating altogether because it seems like too much work. Helping with meal prepping could make this easier, too.
• Social activities–visits to the art museum, in-person classes, lunch with friends, or baking cookies with the grandkids all reinforce the sense of connection
• Exercise, even if it’s just for 10 minutes at a time. Even seniors with arthritis or other physical limitations still need to keep moving to maintain strength, flexibility, and balance. Music can be a powerful motivator.
• Getting a good night’s rest. Something as simple as fresh, clean sheets can smooth the way.

Daily activities and exercise can often feel like chores, especially as they become more challenging. Encourage your loved one to reward themselves by setting aside time for enjoyable activities each day. Mixing up routines adds variety and gives them something to look forward to.

Depending on their interests and abilities, this could mean a round of golf with friends, a walk around the block, listening to music, or relaxing with a cup of tea and a good book. Therapeutic and rewarding activities like gardening, a spa day, or engaging in a favorite hobby can also uplift their spirits.

Technology can be a great tool for expanding options, too. Apps and websites offer opportunities for playing word or math games, exploring virtual travel, guided meditation, taking online classes, and more.

THE RIGHT ENVIRONMENT CAN MAKE ALL THE DIFFERENCE

Sometimes the best way you can support your loved one’s continuing independence is to encourage them to move to a senior living community. Whether your loved one is still fully independent or could benefit from assisted living, communities managed by The Goodman Group around the country are designed to provide as much support as each individual needs while promoting maximum independence.

Great food, camaraderie, and plenty of activities that keep minds and bodies busy all support self-care. And for caregivers, there is a priceless benefit: allowing professionals to shoulder the work of everyday care frees you up to focus on spending quality one-on-one time with your loved one.