Keep Your Cup Full: 5 Tips to Stay Well While Caregiving

As a caregiver, focusing on someone else’s well-being is, quite literally, a full-time job, leaving little time or energy to focus on personal care. If you’re unwell, though, it can be especially difficult to fulfill a caregiving role, not simply because you won’t be feeling up to the task, but also because you might put others at risk.

This is especially true during cooler months when people spend more time indoors. Being in close quarters can make it easier for viruses to spread, while the drier air enables those viruses to linger longer. Colder, drier weather may even weaken our resistance to illness.

“Doing your best to stay healthy and energized during the fall and winter months can help reduce those risks and make the chilly season more enjoyable,” said Greg Marion, Senior Vice President of Health Products and Services at AARP Services. “Look for resources that can help keep you and those you care for healthy. AARP members can use their benefits to help them achieve their wellness goals and by keeping these tips in mind.”

1. Stay Well

As a caregiver, it’s important to be in tune with your health, especially to ensure you aren’t passing on illness to others. Primary care is important for both prevention and treatment. Schedule an annual wellness visit heading into the fall season to establish a baseline and check for any underlying conditions. If you’re not feeling well, you may want to schedule an appointment with a physician to determine if medication or other treatment is necessary.

If you haven’t yet established care with a primary care physician, and you are on Medicare, you can check whether there is an Oak Street Health location near you. Oak Street Health provides primary care for adults on Medicare and focuses on prevention with personalized care to help keep you healthy — physically, mentally and socially. Benefits include same-day/next-day appointments where available, convenient locations, a dedicated care team and a 24/7 patient support line. AARP membership is not required to visit an Oak Street location.

2. Eat Well

When we eat well and get proper nutrition, we tend to feel better. A well-rounded diet can also help your immune system be at its best. When you’re busy and tired after providing care all day, cooking a healthy meal for yourself might be the last thing you want to do.

Fortunately, you can have someone else handle the cooking without resorting to take-out. Silver Cuisine™ by bistroMD provides chef-prepared meals, including specialty diet meals such as heart-healthy, gluten-free, diabetic-friendly and more, directly to your door. AARP members save 25% and get free shipping on their first order of $99 or more, and save 10% and get free shipping on all subsequent orders of $99 or more. It’s a delicious, easy and healthy way to feed yourself and your family.

3. Get Outside

While cooler temperatures might make it more difficult to get outside, spending some time outdoors can be a nice reprieve. Put on a few extra layers and enjoy the fresh air, especially when the sun is shining, and get in some physical activity if you are able. It can boost your physical and mental well-being.

If caregiving keeps you inside for the better part of the day, try taking a quick walk in the evening. Wear reflective or bright clothing and bring along a flashlight or headlamp to light your way. Taking that little break will make the return to the warm indoors that much more enjoyable.

4. Take a Break

Whether you’re feeling unwell or simply need some time off, it’s important that you feel comfortable and well-supported to step away from caregiving. There are many resources that can make it easier to do so while ensuring the person being cared for is safe.

CareLinx In-Home Care is a nationwide online network that connects families with pre-screened, professional caregivers who can step in while you recover. AARP members who are new to CareLinx receive a 3% discount on in-home caregiving services.

With Consumer Cellular paired with the IRIS Ally device, any individual can have the confidence of reliable coverage with medical assistance at their fingertips. Plus, there are no long-term contracts and activation is free. The IRIS Ally Medical Alert Device and monthly service with Consumer Cellular provides one-touch emergency response, fall detection, GPS location tracking, two-way voice communication and is water resistant and shower safe, so even if you’re not there to provide care, support is available with the push of a button. AARP members save 5% on monthly subscription fees.

5. Take Advantage of Caregiving Tools

Having the right equipment in place can make your job a bit easier and give you more freedom to step away or take on other tasks. If a medication regimen is involved, simplifying prescription management can greatly reduce the time and stress involved in tracking it. Hero Smart Pill Dispenser stores, sorts and dispenses up to a 90-day supply of ten different medications. The connected medication management app helps you manage medication routines, track your supply and understand your adherence. AARP members get exclusive savings on a Hero subscription.

And should a caregiving recipient fall or have a medical emergency, you can rest assured that they can easily send for help even if you’re not at their side. Lifeline Medical Alert Service offers medical alert systems that provide fast access to help at the press of a button, and with automatic fall detection, the device can alert responders even if the person can't press the button. AARP members save 15% on medical alert service and get free shipping and activation. You can select the service option that fits your lifestyle and get fast, 24/7/365 access to help when and where you need it.

Taking steps to stay well during colder weather is a good idea for everyone, and especially so for caregivers. Remember that you can’t pour from an empty cup, so fill yours by seeking out resources that can help you stay physically and mentally well. To learn more about AARP member benefits, visit aarp.org/benefits.

AARP and its affiliates are not insurers, agents, brokers or producers. AARP member benefits are provided by third parties, not by AARP or its affiliates. Providers pay a royalty fee to AARP for the use of its intellectual property. These fees are used for the general purposes of AARP. Some provider offers are subject to change and may have restrictions. Please contact the provider directly for details.