emotional wellbeing for the caregiver

​Children laugh more than adults because they find humor in most things. They watch a cartoon and laugh hysterically. With the stress many adults' experience, they find fewer things humorous. An adult may watch the cartoon along with the child and can find no humor at all. Somehow they forgot when they laughed at a Donald Duck cartoon
with the same enthusiasm.
Caregivers have a higher risk of health and emotional problems than someone who is not a caretaker. Consequently laughter is seldom a part of their life. If caregivers do not take care of themselves, they will not be able to care for their loved ones. 
 
Benefits of Laughing – 
Relaxes the body and relieves tension and stress
When we laugh with another person, a bond is created
Humor helps us change perspective

Emotional Wellbeing Suggestions - 
​Supportive social networks are extremely beneficial for caregivers. 
​Knowing that someone acknowledges and understands their hard work can be the difference between success and total burnout. 
Have a 'good cry'. Crying is a natural way of reducing emotional tension that, if left unchecked, can negatively affect one’s physical and mental health.

Caregiver Emotional Health –
provides resources for caregivers to
help them maintain emotional wellbeing.
​
Taking Care of Yourself
Family Caregiver Alliance

The Emotional Side of Caregiving
Family Caregiver Alliance
                                                           
The Caregiver’s Quality of Life
National Cancer Institute

Caregiver Peer Support
Cancer Hope Network

Being a Caregiver: My Needs
American Cancer Society
For more information on well-known groups that may provide emotional support to caregivers, check out the links below:
Spiritual & Pastoral Care
Support Groups for Caregivers
Individual, Couples & Family Therapy

​These are just a few of the many resources available for
caregivers.

When you make time for yourself, you will be able to care for yourself and your loved one.  

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​The following are suggestions to help caregivers maintain the emotional wellbeing -

• Develop a dependable support group to help you.
• Pursue a hobby.
• Become involved with a social group a couple times a month. Meet a couple people one-on-one for coffee occasionally.
• Use relaxation methods like meditation several times a week.
• Work out an exercise plan. However make an appointment with your doctor first. You want to develop an exercise routine that is within your physical abilities.
• Eat healthy, balanced meals. The Internet has an abundance of recommendations. Also you may  want to hire a nutritionist or wellness coach. 
• Do something special for yourself each day – While your loved one is sleeping or you are on ‘me’ time, listen to your favor music, read a book, write a letter 
• Find a place where you can go to have some R&R a couple times a week.
• Establish priorities – handle responsibilities every day – reach out to your support group as needed 
• Maintain a healthy body weight.

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Cecelia Salamone is a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 30 years in the field of counseling and rehabilitation. She enjoys attending workshops, seminars and conferences to help enhance her life, keeps her up-to-date on information, and offers the opportunity to network with others. Cecelia was a caregiver for her parents and in-laws and involved with a support group.

To make the road easier for her and other caregivers, Cecelia wrote Designated Caregiver – Resource Manual for the Caregiver “On Call 24/7” a hands-on, informative guidebook. The book covers topics relevant to high level care for our loved ones.
​"Caregiver Inspirations"- this website ​is dedicated to empower and educate caregivers with information, resources and support, resource manual, Life Coaching and Counseling for Caregivers.  
“Caregiver Inspirations” is also beneficial for:
Professionals in medical, home health care, and mental health fields 
Gives caregiver presentations
Offers caregiver employee workshops 
Also, beneficial for individuals interested in learning about caring

Cecelia has a M.A. in Counseling and B.S. in Education both from Eastern Michigan University in Ypsilanti, Michigan. She lives in a suburban community of Michigan.

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