fbpx

Action Plan for Being a Healthy Caregiver in the New Year

Monday, January 25, 2021

The new year is a new start, and for many, that means making plans for the upcoming 12 months. If you’re a caregiver making New Year’s resolutions, getting and staying healthy should definitely be added to your list.

“Yes, most people resolve to get healthier in the new year, but it’s especially important for caregivers,” says Addie Ricci, Executive Director at Bridges® by EPOCH at Norwalk, located in Norwalk, CT. “Caregivers are at risk of developing stress and burnout, and that’s exacerbated if self-care isn’t part of your regular routine.”

The biggest reason New Year’s resolutions fail, says Addie, is because people set huge, vague goals without defining specific steps to take in order to reach those goals. “Having an action plan that defines those steps and moves you towards specific goals will enable you to be much more successful in the new year,” she says.

Addie suggests that you don’t take on too much at a time. “I recommend tackling one goal a month,” she says. “Then, once that one is successful, you add to it the following month with another goal. By the end of 2021, you’ll be amazed at the steps you’ve taken and how your health is improved.”

Wondering where to start? Here’s our suggested action plan for becoming a healthier, happier caregiver in the new year:

January: Add an extra serving of fruit and vegetables to your meals.

A healthy diet plan includes five to seven servings of fruit and vegetables daily. Most of us don’t get enough of those, and if that’s the case for you, spend the first month of the year adding one additional serving to each of your meals. Add a banana to your morning oatmeal, grab a handful of baby carrots to go with your lunch and roast some root vegetables to go with your dinner.

February: Get at least 30 minutes of exercise each day.

It may seem impossible to squeeze anything else into your busy day, but here’s the good news: “exercise” doesn’t have to mean going to the gym (and you don’t have to do all 30 minutes at once). Take five minutes to dance in your living room, go on a walk around the neighborhood after dinner or do jumping jacks during a commercial break.

March: Get your yearly checkup.

Your annual wellness visit is a perfect time to talk to your doctor about any issues you’ve been having, make sure your medications are still working and up-to-date and catch any small problems that could balloon into big problems down the road.

April: Take time every day to be mindful.

Mindfulness and meditation are excellent techniques to help soothe the mind, reduce stress and drop anxiety levels. They also boost moods and improve quality of life. Start with five minutes a day of breathing exercises, meditating or simply being present in the moment. Increase the amount of time as you see fit.

May: Join a support group.

A support group, whether online or in person, can be a huge benefit for a caregiver’s mental and emotional health. These groups are the perfect place to vent, ask for advice and find resources to help you and your loved one.

June: Get your papers in order.

It’s a good idea once a year to check over your loved one’s care plan and paperwork. Update wills, make sure powers of attorney are all valid and up-to-date, as well as medical directives. Be sure to have copies of important documents handed out to those who need them, and have extras in the event of an emergency.

July: Go on a date.

Staying socially connected is incredibly important to your mental health. Take time each week (or more) to connect with someone you care about. Go on a date with your spouse, have a coffee date with a friend or schedule a recurring call with a family member.

August: Take a break.

Everyone deserves a break once in a while. That’s definitely true for caregivers. Find time this month to give yourself a bit of a break each day. It’s important to spend time doing something you love, even if it’s just for 10 minutes. Take a bath, read a book, walk around the block … whatever fills you up emotionally, spiritually and mentally.

September: Reduce your salt intake.

Too much sodium increases your blood pressure and can lead to a variety of health issues. Go easy on the saltshaker this month and instead use spices to season your food and add a kick. Also opt for lower-sodium options of favorite foods, and avoid things like processed meats and packaged snacks.

October: Try something new.

Variety is the spice of life, and doing something new and different can help keep us mentally engaged, alert and happy. Go as wild or as mild as you like. Try cooking a new recipe, reading a book you might normally not choose or picking up a new hobby.

November: Be thankful.

This month is all about gratitude, and it’s important to remember all the good things in our lives. Every day, think of five things you’re thankful and grateful for. Consider writing them down in a journal so you can look back on them and reflect.

December: Celebrate every day.

Every day is a chance to celebrate the little moments and the joys that come from daily life. Take time to laugh, to be happy and to make meaningful memories and moments with your loved ones. Your happy, healthy heart will move you through this month and into 2022 – and beyond.

Expert, Life-Enriching Memory Care

Bridges® by EPOCH at Norwalk provides memory care assisted living that is comfortable, positive, safe and engaging. Exclusively dedicated to caring for those with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, our community promotes a wellness-focused lifestyle that emphasizes dignity and individual preferences. Our memory care professionals receive specialized, ongoing training designed to help residents maximize their independence in a secure, calm environment – making a truly positive impact on the lives of our residents.

Inspiring Programs for All Stages

Bridges® by EPOCH at Norwalk’s services are designed to recognize and adapt to the unique challenges and individuality of each resident, while ensuring comfort and safety. We believe in a full-service approach to care and provide personalized attention and programming for residents in every stage of memory loss.

Purposeful Community Design

Within a beautiful residential design, Bridges® by EPOCH at Norwalk provides everything residents with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia need to enjoy comfort, familiarity and security. Soft colors, directional cues, aromatherapy and interactive life stations create a soothing and secure environment where residents feel at home.

Contact us today to learn more. 

Learn More About Bridges®

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Loading...