Tips to Stay Socially Active as a Family Carer

Providing adult home care for your loved one is an invaluable commitment, but as a family carer, taking care of your own social interaction needs can become muddled in the day-to-day routine.

Even if you are more of an introvert, as a family carer, you need to maintain connections with people who can refresh your physical, mental and emotional stamina. A few close friends, family members or neighbours who you can just relax and be yourself with will go a long way in boosting your energy. Carers need to recharge socially on a regular basis to provide better care to loved ones in the midst of the responsibilities, fatigue and isolation that caring for another can present. Being socially isolated can be detrimental to your long-term health, which affects the care you provide to your loved one.

A proven help is to ask a Right at Home care provider to give you regular respite breaks each week so you can take time to interact with your circle of family and friends. In between these outings, you can stay in touch daily with others through technology. Phone calls, texts, emails, and social network posts and private messages can keep you engaged with a number of people who you can’t visit with in person.

To safeguard your face-to-face social health, consider these interaction tips:

  • Meet with a friend for a walk or a gym workout.
  • Plan a date night with your spouse or significant other.
  • Schedule a weekly lunch or coffee with a friend.
  • Go leisure shopping with a friend.
  • Join a book club, cooking class, arts appreciation group, etc.
  • Take someone to the cinema.
  • Have tea time or play time with your grandchildren or other children you know.

What tips can you offer about staying socially active as a family carer?

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