- 2021 Posts
- COVID-19 Vaccine Information
- 2021 New Year Message from Executive Director
- "The U-Shaped Happiness Curve"
- "Everyone Has a Story to Tell. Are You Ready to Share Your Life Story?"
+ 2020 Posts
- "Maximize Your Personal Connections and Minimize the Holiday Blues"
- "Resilience & Aging"
- Self-Care Tips for the Family Caregiver
- Sharing Gratitude During Thanksgiving from Our Executive Director
- NSSC Awarded Chicago Top Workplace
- 'Exercise’ Your Commitment to Stay Fit During Pandemic
- How the End of Daylight Saving Time Affects People with Dementia
- Lifelong Learning Virtual Experience: The Next Best Thing to Being at the Center
- Join us for Gala 2020: Unmasked
- Permission Granted: Time to Host the Perfectly Imperfect Wedding
- North Shore Senior Center Featured in Caregiving Magazine!
- What Does 'Medicare for All' Mean?
- Opening Day Slated for July 6!
- North Shore Senior Center Keeps Older Adults And Their Families Connected
- June 15 Update on Center Reopening
- An Open Letter from the Executive Director
- Initial Plans to Re-Open Center
- HSS & Sewa International Donate Masks to NSSC
- May 14 Update from the Executive Director
- The CARES Act Brings Many Changes for Individuals and Businesses
- May 7 Update from the Executive Director
- April 30 Message from the Executive Director
- Celebrating our Volunteers and Senior & Family Services: A Message from the Executive Director
- Celebrating Our Successes: A Message from the Executive Director
- Message from the Executive Director on HOW Programs
- Winnetka Talk: North Shore senior centers turn to technology to connect and entertain
- Message from the Executive Director
- An Update from our Executive Director & Free Online Classes
- A Note to the North Shore Senior Center Community
Self-Care Tips for the Family Caregiver
November 09, 2020by Heather Resnick, Caregiver Specialist
In recognition of National Family Caregiver Month, North Shore Senior Center wants to recognize and thank family caregivers for all they do to enhance quality of life for our seniors. Practicing self-care is always important for family caregivers, and during the pandemic it is even more crucial to make time for yourself.
Here are 19 tips to help caregivers stay sane during the pandemic:
- Do what you enjoy—build time in your schedule to do something that makes you happy
- Find Humor—laughter is the best medicine, so look for the funny moments in life
- Count your blessings—even in the worst of times, there is something for which to be thankful
- Limit media—too much news can cause anxiety and worry; it is Ok to take a “news break”
- Stay connected—maintain relationships with family, friends and community in any way you can
- Get outside—Being outdoors in nature, even for a few minutes, can enhance mood and lower stress
- Keep moving—if you cannot get out, create an indoor exercise plan
- Ask for help when needed—people are often happy to help but they cannot read your mind
- Practice mindfulness—this can include meditation, prayer or simply being present in the moment
- Lower expectations—It is Ok to let things go from time to time
- Help others—doing something for someone else boosts endorphins and the immune system
- Get creative—painting, making music or journaling can provide a good outlet
- Set a routine—this will help structure the day and help your loved one know what to expect
- Eat good food & get plenty of rest—maintaining your own health is crucial for caregivers
- Remember to breathe—a few deep breaths can calm the mind and body
- Focus on the positive—cultivating an attitude of optimism can help your outlook
- Think outside of the box—consider alternatives to in-person visits like Zoom, Skype, Facetime or telehealth
- Give yourself credit—remember, you are doing the best you can
- Watch for signs of burnout—consult your doctor if you feel overwhelmed or depressed
Please visit our Family Caregiver Support page for more information and resources.