After your dad’s stroke, you took on the role of his main family caregiver. That was years ago, and it’s starting to wear you out. Have you been taking care of yourself while you assist your dad with his daily activities? It’s time to consider elder care.
When Was Your Last Doctor’s Appointment?
When was the last time you saw your doctor for a check-up? You should go every year. During that check-up, expect to have your blood pressure tested and your blood drawn to test for cholesterol, nutritional deficiencies, and prediabetes or diabetes.
Your doctor will take your height and weight, perform a quick survey to screen for depression, and go over any health-related questions you have. If you need to be referred for health screenings or get caught up on vaccinations, that happens too.
What screenings are needed? This depends on your age and gender. Women typically go for mammograms, pap smears, bone density tests, and colonoscopies. Men have prostate screenings, colonoscopies, and sometimes a chest x-ray, especially if they’re a smoker.
Eat a Healthy Diet
How well are you at planning and sticking to a healthy diet? Most adults need about two cups of fruit, three cups of vegetables, three cups of dairy, about seven ounces of lean protein, and as much as nine ounces of whole grains.
In addition, you want to drink around two or three liters of water a day to stay properly hydrated. You might need even more if you’re very active or it’s extremely hot outside.
Exercise For 30 Minutes Each Day
The goal is 30 minutes of moderate activity each day. Mix up the exercise so that you’re doing strength training one day, walking the next, engaging in a meditative program like Yoga some days, and swimming others.
The more exercise you get, the better it is for your health. Make sure you stick within the limits your doctor sets so that you’re not overexerting yourself. If you feel like you’ve injured a muscle while exercising, talk to your doctor. You may need to switch to another form of exercise for a few days or work with a physical therapist to exercise correctly to avoid injuries.
Go On Vacation
When was the last time you took a vacation? Even if it was only a long weekend at the beach or up in the mountains, you need a break. Go on a vacation without worrying about your dad by making sure he has a caregiver lined up. It’s a service called respite care, and it’s one you shouldn’t overlook.
An elder care aide’s role is to help your dad maintain his independence. It also gives you a chance to live your life and focus on self-care without leaving your dad alone or vulnerable. Learn more about the services they offer and the cost of elder care by talking to a home care advisor.