When I am not at the office, I am working with one of my favorite groups of individuals – caretakers, specifically those with a child with a disability. In the midst of everything going on in our communities, many caretakers have additional stress from medical needs to financial concerns. Even the smallest details require more effort and extra energy.
For those of you who can relate to this, I wrote a short list of five helpful tips for during this tough time.
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Utilize online resources: From online therapy to workout webinars, there are amazing places all over the country offering FREE services online so your kids don’t have to miss their speech therapy or your family member’s occupational therapy. Additionally, there are tons of great resources for learning at home and family fun activities.
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Find time to rest: Even for five minutes, take moments to relax. Go for a walk, take a nap, read a book, or journal. Pick up an old hobby you’ve put down that you haven’t had time for. Physically or mentally recharge. Especially for caretakers, this is essential to create some self-care time as you’re caring for others.
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Keep a routine: Even if you can’t keep your normal routine right now, find a way to make some structure in the day. Not only will it help you, but it will help your loved ones have some certainty in an uncertain time.
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Join a support group: Especially now, tons of individuals are connecting online and groups are holding meetings. So if you couldn’t go to a meeting due to conflicts of schedule, babysitting problems, or just from being more introverted, here’s your chance!
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Communicate with others: Whether through a virtual therapy session or Facetiming loved loves, make it a priority to catch up, laugh, and talk with others. It is important to remember that you are not alone.
So many times as a caretaker, it is hard to ask for help yet easy to feel alone. Be good to yourself and accept this is a hard time for many. And yes, your children or loved one may need your help, however, you need to make time for yourself too. Lena Horne once said “it is not the load that breaks you down. It’s the way you carry it.” Let others help you carry the load!
Below are a few of my favorite resources (since there’s a ton online) I found helpful. Please share your own below!
~Melissa Roach, Student Intern