M
any women find that taking care of others – family, friends, and neighbors – becomes part of their normal day to day schedule. While this can provide us with a great sense of fulfillment by helping others who need us, it often adds stress to our lives. We find that we are not only cooking, cleaning, shopping, and care giving for our own family but many days doing these tasks for others. This may include running errands and transporting them to doctor visits.
If you feel overwhelmed by all of the directions you are being pulled, I want you to know you are not alone and help is only a few paragraphs below. There are many resources that can assist you with your tasks.
Be Prepared
- All medicines should be locked up and out of the reach of children, teens and older adults who can be harmed by taking medications not prescribed to them. This FDA video points out the dangers in having medicines accessible in a home.
- A list of medications that can be accessible at any time. This list should include prescriptions, dietary supplements, vitamins and over-the-counter medicines. You should take this list to all doctor visits and hospital visits.
- Be sure you are giving the right amount of medicine. Follow the directions on the prescription and/or medicine. You can also ask your physician about the dosage, especially when you are administering medicine to children. Always use the measuring cup or device that is provided with the medicine.
- Make a plan for how you will care for others in case of an emergency. This plan should include medical information and back up supplies.
- Looking for guidance when it comes to eldercare? Try this Eldercare Locator link http://www.eldercare.gov/Eldercare.NET/Public/Index.aspx which will help you connect to services in your area for older adults and their families.
The FDA is a great resource to help you manage the care of your loved ones. These resources provide a wide range of information to assist with those working with young children, teens, older adults, and those with special needs.
As you are doing all of the things you do, it is easy to forget about your own needs. It is important that you take care of your own health. With so many others depending on you, don’t let your personal care go to the bottom of your list.
- Take time to care for yourself
- Schedule a yearly exam and mammogram
- Talk to your physician if you are having feelings of anxiety or depression
- Manage your stress
We are connected to others and being a caregiver affects us emotionally. How to better handle these emotions can be found at Tips for Caregivers – https://livehealthyosu.com/2016/01/11/tips-for-caregivers/. Read What Caregivers Need to Know – https://livesmartohio.osu.edu/family-and-relationships/holmes-86osu-edu/what-caregivers-need-to-know/ to learn more about recent data and respite care. When it comes to caregiving there is so much to learn and know. So remember information, support, and resources are out there…you are not alone.
Writer: Tammy Jones, Extension Educator, Family and Consumer Sciences, Ohio State University Extension, Pike County, jones.5640@osu.edu
Reviewer: Candace J. Heer, Extension Educator, Family and Consumer Sciences, Ohio State University Extension, Morrow County, heer.7@osu.edu
Sources:
Eldercare Locator, http://www.eldercare.gov/Eldercare.NET/Public/Index.aspx
FDA, http://www.fda.gov/downloads/ForConsumers/ByAudience/ForWomen/FreePublications/UCM246541.pdf
FDA, http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm272905.htm
Office on Women’s Health, https://www.womenshealth.gov/publications/our-publications/fact-sheet/caregiver-stress.html
References:
Tips for Caregivers
https://livehealthyosu.com/2016/01/11/tips-for-caregivers/.
What Caregivers Need to Know
Live Healthy Live Well 
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