April Caregiver Empowerment Game Plan

April is all about spring cleaning – but that doesn’t just mean your home! Caregiving, like any job, requires a lot of strength, resilience and flexibility! Why? While you may get used to an assignment as a live-in caregiver for a client that has a specific disability or illness, you’ll need some background on how to best care for them day in and day out. So take this month to recharge and refresh your approach to caregiving so you can be the best you can be for your client.

Here is a rundown of to-do’s to help you grow as a caregiver for each week of April!

Monday – Caregiver Bootcamp

There’s no better way to conquer your Monday than a good training session, and by this we mean hitting the books! Try finding a few books on health and nutrition at your local library, or surfing the web for an article on the best ways nurses and caregivers use natural remedies to help their clients soothe pain, muscle aches, headaches and much more! You might even learn something new from a different culture that you can share with your client!

Tuesday – Recharge and Refresh

If you’ve lost touch with a friend or family member (or two) since you started a busy new assignment, don’t forget to catch up with them from time to time. Caring about your job is one thing, but caring about your relationships is far more important in the long run. Try giving a friend a call via Facetime where you could introduce them to your client! At the end of the day, it’s best to give them insight into the great responsibilities you have as a caregiver so they respect the special time you do spend together.

Wednesday – Workout Wednesday

Hump days are all about getting over the peak of the week, so try to incorporate a workout that will get your heart pumping to help relieve any stress you’ve been carrying. A workout of any kind can do wonders for not only your health, but state of mind. It’s easy to get carried away by your work as a dedicated caregiver, but never forget about setting aside that hour each week to focus on your own well-being by getting some physical activity in.

Thursday – Check It Off the Bucket List

If there’s ever been a better time to let loose and enjoy a night out on the town- it’s Saturday! If you’re on assignment, you could even try to do something a bit “out there” with your client! Whether it be joining a paint night at your local cafe, or treating yourself to a nice gift while out shopping, don’t forget about the importance of “me time” as a caregiver.

Friday –  Detox

Try to incorporate a detox into your routine at the end of each week to escape from reality for a bit.  Anything from a spa-like detox like a long bath or facial, or something as simple as curling up with a good book and losing yourself in story. Fridays are for doing whatever makes you happiest, which will make you a happier caregiver.