CareLines 2024 July-August Newsletter
Making Time for the Caregiver An update from Tia Drumm & Chelsey Krofta, Caregiver Programs Coordinators As care partners, we all know that caregiving tasks take up the majority of our days—but are you making the time for yourself? It may seem daunting to take time away from your caring duties to focus on yourself, but it is worth it. Family Caregiver Alliance states that 40–70% of family caregivers have clinically significant symptoms of depression, and roughly 4 in 10 care partners find their situation highly stressful. It is imperative that you take time away to focus on yourself, whether that’s looking through old editions of CareLines for mindful tips, taking a walk around the neighborhood, or going out to dinner with your best friend. This is going to help you feel included in a support system instead of isolated at home. It is proven that eight hours away from the caregiving situation each week allows a care partner to decompress and relax. It may be difficult to do this without feeling guilty, but it will be beneficial to you (and your loved one) in the long run.
or reading a book. If your response is a mix of both, you may want to try a stress reliever that targets physical and mental stress, like yoga or tai chi. Think back to the amount of time you have spent on yourself in the last six months. Would you say that you have spent even eight hours by yourself, away or out of the home of the individual you are caring for? If not, look through some of the suggested activities throughout this newsletter issue and see if there are any that you’d be willing to try! For Blackford, Delaware, Grant, Henry, Jay, and Madison counties, contact Tia Drumm at (765) 759-1121 ext. 101 or tdrumm@lifestreaminc.org. For Fayette, Franklin, Rush, Union, and Wayne counties, contact Chelsey Krofta at (765) 759-1121 ext. 281 or ckrofta@lifestreaminc.org.
If your response to stress is physical, such as high blood pressure, headaches, or pacing, you could try physical activities like walking, swimming, a massage, or gardening. If your response to stress is mental, such as excessive worrying or difficulty concentrating, you may try meditation, listening to soothing music,
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