caregivers & healthcare corner By Lisa M. Monge, MSN, RN
Be Your Own Valentine
Sweetheart: Selfcare and Caregiver Burnout
February is most famous for Valentine’s Day. History and tradition herald this day as a time to give candy, flowers, gifts, and favors to our loved ones. Across the globe, many will honor their spouses, partners, sweethearts, and children. While it is exciting to give to others during this and many other holidays, it is important to remember to give back to ourselves. Selfcare, or a cognizant effort to prioritize our own physical, emotional and mental health, is vital to living an optimal life. A caregiver can be anyone who renders a service or task for any child, adult, or family. This person can be a family member, a professional providing medical or non-medical care, a community member, or a volunteer. While caregiving is a very rewarding job, it is also very complicated and can sometimes entail long days, endless nights, extreme stress, and caregiver burnout. Caregivers will often neglect their own well-being. In fact, 72% of family caregivers have not gone to the doctor as often as they should and report skipping 55% of doctor appointments. Another study concluded up to 70% of caregivers have signs of depression and extreme stress, causing premature aging. “It takes a village” The first step in self-care as a special needs caregiver is accepting limits to what you can do. Superman and Wonder Woman are fictional! Try to maintain a healthy sleep schedule, stay hydrated, exercise regularly, and take a break from your responsibilities! If you are the primary caregiver, find a caregiver for yourself! Try to find someone you trust to give you a break (a neighbor, respite
30 Special Needs Living • February 2021
worker, family or friend, etc.). There are endless resources, but you may have to ask. Just like it is important to have boundaries with others, it is also important to set boundaries with ourselves.
we must be healthy individuals first. Caregiving, even under the best of circumstances, can be draining. Taking care of ourselves first will allow us to optimize the care we provide for others.
“Kick up your heels” Isolation and alienation are common when living with a child or family member with difficult or challenging behaviors. Feeling limited or secluded in any way can contribute to stress and take an emotional toll. Respite care can give you temporary relief during this time. If you have no resources, ask! Taking care of your emotional and social health is just as important as physical care and routine. Of course, talking to a medical professional is always a good idea. However, something as simple as making time for an adult-only social life can be a breath of fresh air. To retrieve some of your emotional health, start asking yourself questions like:
If you are a caregiver and are struggling in any way, I encourage you to reach out. If there is any question or resource that may be beneficial to enhance your self-care, please reach out. If you are feeling like harming yourself or anyone else, please seek immediate medical attention.
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Stay healthy, Nurse Lisa
When was the last time I had a date night? When was the last time I went dancing? When was the last time I laughed with my best friend?
Self-care is vital to preventing caregiver burnout. In order to be the best provider, parent, employee, friend, neighbor, or anything else,
If you have a story you would like to share to impact other caregivers in the special needs community, I am available at Specialneedslivingnurse@ gmail.com or you can submit a caregiver’s story on the form below. https://form.jotform. com/202605155839154
References Caregiver Action Network (2019, October 30). 10 tips for family caregivers. https://caregiveraction.org/ resources/10-tips-family-caregivers Child Mind Institute (2020, May 28). Why Self-Care Is Essential to Parenting. childmind.org. https://childmind.org/article/ fighting-caregiver-burnout-special-needs-kids/
