Caregiving Special Focus

Solutions To Your Caregiving Situations Throughout Your Caregiving Years

Time Out! Signs You Need a Vacation By Denise M. Brown, Publisher and Editor Home-bound for too long? We look at the Top 10 (plus one) Signs You Need a Vacation:   1. You set up your lounge chair, accessorized by a hand-held fan, reading material and water bottle, in your care recipient’s bedroom; 2. You form a line, just like they do at Disney World; 3. You become a tourist in your own home, asking for directions to the nearest bathroom; 4. You write postcards from your dining room table to your friends; 5. You wear flip flops; 6. Your visor remains perched on your head all day long; your fanny pack, clipped to your waist; 7. Your sunglasses and sunscreen go on each morning, even though you never set foot out of the front (or back) door; 8. You regularly refer to a map, any map; 9. You ask your spouse for good restaurant suggestions—something that’s within walking distance of your hotel; 10. Your swimming goggles become your new every-day jewelry, dangling from around your neck; 11. (The "Plus One") You photograph your care recipient throughout the day, encouraging smiles and "Cheese's" during meals and Jeopardy; you click snapshots of your care recipient with the home health aide.   You know that you're in need of a break, but you can't help but think, How? When? We've got some quick fixes for you: 1. Go somewhere in your area you’ve never been, such as a park, nature preserve or museum; 2. Start planning a trip that you'll take in the future; 3. Cook something different or unusual for dinner (even better--order in something unusual or different); 4. Do something special to end your day, such enjoy a cold drink outside while listening to your favorite music; 5. Visit your community’s local pool; 6. Take advantage of a nearby outdoor festival, even for a few hours; 7. Read a great book; 8. Watch a wonderful movie; 9. Write a letter to a good friend; 10. Daydream, traveling to a favorite destination. Your vacation will come! Index of Articles: Caring for a Step: Tips to Help Manage the Relationship Celebrating Your Caregiving Successes, Part I Celebrating Your Caregiving Successes, Part II The Help Arrived, But Left Too Early Time Out! Signs You Need a Vacation When To Use Home Care Tell a friend about this article:

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