We all know the airline adage, “In case of a drop in cabin pressure, put the oxygen mask on yourself before helping others.” Caregivers, both professional caregivers and those who offer support for a loved one at home, admit that they often put that proverbial mask on others first. It is almost impossible not to, they contend.
As the number of professional caregivers declines and there is more burnout among all the caregiving ranks, self-care has to come first, experts confirm. Whether that care comes in the form of taking more time off or practicing meditation during the token free minutes that they do have, caregivers need replenishment.
“The consistent act of giving to others can lead to very real feelings of burnout, exhaustion and stress, which ultimately has a negative impact not only on our own well-being but also on the well-being of those that we teach, work and live with,” said Charleston resident Blair Perry, caregiver of 18 years, full-time pediatric occupational therapist and full-time mom of three boys. “Managing and trying to keep up with it all can be very chaotic, dysregulating, overwhelming and just plain exhausting.”
“We get calls every day from loved ones – from burned out daughters and sons who are doing an amazing job of caring for their parents,” said Anne Marie Long, CEO of Senior Resource Specialists. “They will say that they are snapping at their mom, and they don’t want to but they are so tired.”
“It is no wonder they are exhausted,” Long added. “Caregivers in hospitals and community living places work in shifts. Many sons, daughters, parents and friends are working 24-hour shifts nonstop as they care for a loved one.”
Long and her husband, Joshua, opened Senior Resource Specialists in October 2022 to help seniors and caregivers connect with any resource they need – a financial advisor, a realtor or veteran resources, to name a few.
“Caregivers and spouses have this admirable sense of duty; they feel bad about leaving,” said Long. “But they need to take breaks. Otherwise, as they remain the sole caregiver, they lose their relationship with their spouse or a mom. They are seen primarily as ‘the caregiver.’”
A caregiver taking a break is no different than parents hiring a babysitter so they can go out and relax, Long noted.
“[Caregivers] are constantly caring for others and are very quick to forget about ourselves,” said Perry. “But, at the end of the day, if I am not looking inward and constantly assessing myself, then how am I going to be the best version of myself to then be able to care for others in a positive and beneficial way?”
Perry cites yoga as a powerful tool for a whole wellness experience that feeds mind, body and spirit. Yoga is her “jam” – she incorporates into her wellness practice five to six days a week. She also remains conscientious about food and everyday products going in and on her body.
Attention to the body’s condition is instrumental in choosing care proportional to a caregiver’s needs.
“Our nervous system responds to everything in life, including stressors, whether good or bad. It’s important to take care of that part of ourselves,” explained Dr. Sarah K. Wharton of Cypress Chiropractic & Wellness in Charleston.
Dr. Wharton provides chiropractic care to many caregivers, namely nurses, who often work long, awkward hours. Their work is strenuous and may require them to lift and move their patients, she added. Many are on their feet much of the day.
“I’ll see your typical low back pain, low back subluxation and lots of tension in the lower neck and shoulders,” she explained. “It’s hard for caregivers to make time because they are working so hard, but it would benefit them to get their nervous systems cleared of interference,” said Dr. Wharton.
In addition, Dr. Wharton believes caregivers should make time for quality, conscious rest.
“Showing up for our patients is not just the skills we have. When I have a very busy day or week, I, too, have to recharge. Much like a phone battery, if you use the battery down to the lowest point, it takes longer to recharge,” she noted.
Connecting with nature and rest without distractions should also be part of caregivers’ self-care routine, according to Dr. Wharton.
“I find that it’s very important to find time in nature,” she asserted. “Health care professionals are typically in offices with fluorescent lighting and in concrete buildings for hours on end. I encourage my patients to get out in nature – a park, the beach or even simply walking around their neighborhood. Exercising keeps us strong both physically and mentally.”
Like Perry, Dr. Wharton cites the importance of a healthy, balanced diet for health care professionals and caregivers of all kinds.
“The fuel that you put into your body is very important,” she explained. “We are using our resources to help others, so we have to fuel ourselves as often and as best as possible. Hydration, fruits and vegetables, lean proteins – what we put into our bodies is our fuel.”
Dr. Wharton has seen many positive results both in herself and her patients who prioritize themselves and their well-being. From feeling more energized and making time for things they enjoy to reducing chronic pain and stress, self-care improves caregivers’ overall quality of life.
Afterall, Perry notes, “Caring for ourselves is one of the best gifts we can give to our students and communities.”
Associate Editor Molly Sherman contributed to this story.
Resources for Nurses and Family Caregivers:
Check with your Employee Assistance Program for additional resources.
By Isabel Alvarez Arata
