As they perform the selfless task of caring for others, Hockley County caregivers are urged to take care of their own mental and physical health.
A caregiver assists others who are unable to care for themselves such as the elderly and people with special needs or mental health struggles. Caregivers can be professionals, family members or individuals hired by families. Often, family members receive no compensation.
“If you see the residents happy and enjoying their day and their activities, then we’re doing our job,” Johnny Castillo, a caregiver at Hickory Terrace, said. “We’re making their environment, their quality of life enjoyable like if they were at home.”
Many paid caregivers choose the job because it provides a sense of purpose and they enjoy taking care of others. Those with family who need care may choose to stay home to keep their family safe and comfortable.
“I love doing it,” assisted living med tech Jacki Carrera said. “That’s why I got in the field. This is where I belong. I love taking care of people.”
Daily activities vary by the type of caregiver but may include helping with medications, keeping track of care-receivers’ needs and keeping them company. While it is rewarding, caring for others can put stress on the caregivers. According to Mayo Clinic, these stresses may include a mental load, physical tolls, social strain and even financial expenses in some cases.
“The hard part is that usually you have to take care of a loved one that is very dear to you, and obviously you’re taking care of them because they cannot take care of themselves,” Brenda Burton, an at home caregiver for her son, said. “It’s hard because it’s sad.”
Caregiving also takes time, which can cut into one’s personal life. Assisted living facilities can give their employees breaks, but those assisting family members at home may not be able to take vacations or breaks because it is hard to find someone to care for their loved ones while they are gone.
Some also worry about what would happen if they couldn’t care for someone anymore and how caregiving affects people around them such as other members of the family. These concerns, in addition to worrying about those they are taking care of, put mental strain on caregivers.
To mitigate stress, Castillo said he takes care of his physical health by walking, eating well, drinking water and getting enough sleep. For those in a professional setting, he also said having good management helps because “when you have your bad days, they’re there for you.” He also enjoys talking to residents and hearing their stories.
“I think what helps me is my attitude towards life,” Castillo said. “I don’t worry about anything because I have faith that The Man Upstairs will take care of everything, and He always has. I’ve been through a roller coaster throughout my life, and I always come out of it okay.”
Carrera said she takes a moment to pray and breathe when handling stressful workdays. She also spends time with her family to relax after work.
“[Caregivers] should definitely make time to go to the doctor and make sure that their mental status is good,” Carrera said, “And if not, they can talk to a therapist to keep their mental status right. Because to care, your mental status has to be okay, and sometimes talking to somebody else, like a therapist, is okay.” To “keep [herself] sane,” Burton prays and reads or listens to the Bible. Furthermore, she has things to look forward to including a book club every other week, learning Hebrew with a friend, going to church and having lunch with family on Sundays. “If I didn’t have the Lord, I don’t think I could be a caregiver because I know God takes care of me, and He fulfills all my needs,” Burton said. “When I can’t take it anymore, I can go to Him and cry and get new strength from Him again. It makes me feel so happy to know that obviously this was part of the reason God made me and allowed me to be a mom.” Additional resources for caregivers can be found online and through groups like medical institutions. Respite care services can also be utilized for those needing time away from caregiving. “I know that this is not all there is for Sammy and for me. The best is yet to come, and that is what keeps me rooted in joy,” Burton said. “God is good, and life is good, and we can either be bitter, or we can be joyful and thankful because there are always reasons to be thankful.”