As a guardian and caregiver, you have many responsibilities. You may manage finances, make medical decisions, provide personal care, arrange for transportation, etc. These tasks have likely intensified and increased during the COVID19 pandemic, morphed into additional duties, or even required you to make drastic health and safety changes to your ward’s services.

Taking time for yourself to relax and recharge is crucial to your wellbeing. It’s hard to admit to yourself or others that you need a break. Self-care is easy to talk about, but it can be hard to actually go do it! Stress, burnout, and compassion fatigue can hamper your ability to provide the best care for others, leading to less than desirable outcomes for you and your ward.

The National Consumer Voice for Quality Long-Term Care has published a caregivers tip sheet with great reminders and information. The University at Buffalo School of Social Work has an entire section of its website dedicated to a self-care. Social worker or not, these resources are great for guardians needing to develop their self-care plans.

The National Consumer Voice for Quality Long-Term Care

Taking Care of You: Tips for Family Caregivers

https://theconsumervoice.org/uploads/files/issues/CV_TakingCare_caregivers_508web.pdf

University at Buffalo School of Social Work

Butler, L. D., & McClain-Meeder, K. (2015). Self-Care Starter Kit. Located at http://www.socialwork.buffalo.edu/students/self-care/index.asp