Providing 24 hour care at home for an elderly loved one is a difficult job yet one that is greatly needed. As you provide at home care services, you are likely to become more involved in care giving while spending less time doing the things you enjoy. A recent study by the Alzheimer’s Association found that two-thirds of those who are caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s felt isolated or alone. The same likely holds true for all those who care for elderly loved ones, regardless of their illnesses.

Feelings of isolation can cause stress and may even lead to depression. When you spend your days and nights caring for your senior parent, you may easily become separated from your regular lifestyle as you spend less time with friends and family. You could easily become immersed in your new role and might get tired and burned out if you aren’t careful. There are several things you can do to avoid feeling isolated and alone when caring for a loved one.

Spend Time with Friends and Family

Caring for your elderly parent can cause you to stop talking with friends and family members. This is a mistake and can lead to more stress and feelings of sadness. It is important that you don’t lose your connection with your friends. You need a link to the outside world that doesn’t involve your elderly parent’s care. Try to set aside at least one evening a week to get together with your friends or family members.

If you don’t have a backup care provider, get one. You need to be able to get away from time to time without worrying about leaving your loved one alone or with a stranger. Choose a caregiver that is a good fit for your parent and take the time to allow for a gradual introduction. For example, have the new caregiver spend just an hour or two at first while you go grocery shopping and run errands.

Do Something You Love

Emotional isolation can slowly take over your life, and before you realize it, you are completely cut off from your friends and other family members. Taking care of a loved one can be stressful. Stress can build up and may lead to medical problems. The answer is to do something you love. Make a list of the things you enjoy doing and then try to fit some of them into your schedule.

Choose one afternoon a week to spend time doing something you enjoy. Take a class, participate in an exercise program or join a reading group. Whatever you choose, try to make sure that it allows you to get away from the stress of your regular day and gets you out and among others.

Get Support

As a caregiver, you are alone with your loved one for hours on end. You likely don’t have anyone to talk to about the issues in your life and your friends may not understand what you are going through. It is helpful to find some other caregivers who are experiencing similar issues and have some of the same concerns. Join a caregiver support group where you will meet others who are in similar situations. You’ll be able to discuss the many subjects that are important in your daily lives. You can find local support groups or join an online forum where you’ll be able to voice your concerns and get answers to your questions from others who are going through the same thing.

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