On behalf of the entire team, here at Senior Homecare by Angels, we would like to wish you a very Happy New Year! Now that we have welcomed 2025, it’s the perfect time for caregivers of seniors to reflect on the past year and set meaningful resolutions for the months ahead. Caregiving is an incredibly rewarding role. However, it often comes with emotional, physical and mental challenges.
What can caregivers do to prioritize their well-being in 2025?
Absolve yourself of guilt.
It’s well known that, by their very nature, caregivers tend to put their own personal needs last. Allow us to remind you that self-care isn’t selfish. In fact, it’s essential! We encourage you to resolve to schedule regular breaks, get enough sleep and enjoy activities that bring you joy. Read an engaging book. Go for brisk walks. Sit down with a hot cup of tea. All of these moments can recharge your energy and help prevent burnout.
“Taking time to yourself may cause you to feel some guilt,” acknowledges the Alzheimer Society of Canada, “But it’s important for caregivers to take some time away to recharge and do things you enjoy. Doing this may make you feel more positive, and in turn better able to care for your person. If the person you’re caring for can’t be left alone, don’t be afraid to ask friends or family to take over for a few hours or even a few days.”
Stay connected with your friends and support networks.
When providing care to an older adult, it’s common to feel isolated and alone. It’s a job that can become all-consuming. Make it part of your New Year’s resolutions list to stay connected with your loved ones. You may also want to join caregiver support groups. Sometimes, simply sharing your experiences with someone who understands what you’re going through can lighten your load.
Caregivers Alberta offers valuable resources and online support groups for caregivers. Their website notes that nearly one in four Albertans over the age of 15 are caregivers. “At Caregivers Alberta, our role is to champion unpaid, family caregivers so that they can fulfill their roles in a healthy, sustainable way,” it reads, “We do this through advocacy and community-based partnerships across the province.”
Don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it.
Remember that caregivers need to be cared for too. It’s okay to admit that you can’t do everything on your own. We all need help sometimes. Whether it’s leaning on family, getting assistance from a friend or hiring professional Home Care Services or Respite Care Services, support is available. At Senior Homecare by Angels, our compassionate caregivers (or “angels,” as we like to call them) are here to step in when you need a helping hand.
Our Respite Care plan provides you with a carefully selected angel who can visit your care recipient three days a week on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Each visit lasts for three to four hours. In addition to assisting with toileting, dressing and bathing, our angel can do light housekeeping, run errands and prepare healthy meals and provide meaningful social engagement. As a result, you get more time for yourself to rest, relax and recharge.
To learn more, please don’t hesitate to call us at 403-862-0129 or if outside of Calgary, toll-free at 1-877-209-6142. You may also visit our Contact Us page to complete and submit a simple contact form!