For those people who provide caregiving services to senior citizens, the work is quite rewarding, but emotionally exhausting. If you have a medical background, you know that there is a long road ahead for these individuals or you may know there isn't much time left. Yet, you still have to meet their needs. If you are like many of the very best nurses and medical providers, you form emotional ties to the patients you interact with, both good and bad. This can impact your own quality of life. It makes sense, then, to invest some time in taking care of yourself.
Take Breaks When You Need It
If you are feeling emotionally beat up or worn down, take a break. Step away from the field for a week or more and shut off your thoughts about work. Don't even look at your medical wear for that timeframe. By pulling yourself away, you allow your brain to get back to focusing on you and meeting your own health needs.
Pay Attention to Your Body
Often times, when working with seniors, we focus all of our attention on the other person. You may rush to eat whatever you can so that you can get back to work. You may pick up, move things, or otherwise strain your body because you feel you have to. If you are noticing aches and pains that you did not have originally, now is the time to do something about it. Don't avoid the signs your body is providing you to as a warning that you, too, need some attention.
Have Someone to Vent To
It is often best to choose someone that you feel comfortable with but that also knows the ins and outs of your job to talk to. Pouring out your soul may not seem like a great way to heal, but it can help you to work through those mental obstacles you are facing.
Take the time to take care of you. When you do so, the senior caregiving you are giving to your patients can improve drastically. And, your quality of life can, too.