A new year is a chance for a new start and a fresh beginning. A chance to take inventory of your life and better yourself in all areas possible. While some people’s New Year’s Resolutions are to lose weight or quit smoking, others’ are simply to not forget a prescription, or to not feel guilty about taking the day off.

It can be easy to get overwhelmed by the demands of caregiving, and this can lead to stress, exhaustion, and burnout. The weight of caregiving can easily provoke thoughts of imperfection and self-criticism, but it’s important to remind yourself that you’re doing the best you can, while making a true difference in a loved one’s life.

So, at the beginning of another new year, we’ve created a list of New Year’s Resolutions for caregivers that are realistic to keep throughout the entire year. Print these out, remind yourself daily, or choose one every month to stick to, but remember that any progress is good progress, and you are never alone.

Realistic New Year’s Resolutions for Caregivers

1. Find time to take care of yourself. You owe it to yourself and your care receiver to carve time out specifically for you.
2. Don’t feel guilty about taking time for yourself. Taking a break will allow you to come back feeling recharged and more focused, ultimately making you a better caregiver.
3. Don’t fall behind on your own health exams and yearly appointments. When you’re so focused on making sure your loved one makes their appointments, it can be easy to neglect your own annual health screenings and dental exams. Schedule your yearly appointments in January and set a reminder.
4. Consider joining a caregiver support group. This is a great way to talk with people going through the same experiences as you. If you can’t find time to leave the house, there are many online groups available.
5. Organize all your loved one’s medical papers. Get together a folder with all medical information, a health care proxy, and an Advanced Directive.
6. Don’t be afraid to delegate tasks. Ask friends and family to help run errands, do chores, or aid in short-term respite care. You may feel reluctant to accept help, but chances are, close friends will be more than willing to.
7. Remind yourself that your loved one did not choose their illness or disability, and no one is to blame to stress or frustration.
8. Remind yourself that you are imperfect, you will make mistakes, and there is no need to feel guilty about it. You’re doing the best you can.

One final thing to remind yourself of this new year is that you do not have to handle this alone. ViaQuest Home Health and ViaQuest Hospice support family caregivers by adding an extra layer of support and ensuring the wellbeing of both the caregiver and the patient. If you’re interested in how ViaQuest can help, call 855-289-1722 for support, answers, and real help.