SEPTEMBER ARTICLE: Celebrating Grandparents!

Every year on the first Sunday after Labor Day, people celebrate National Grandparents Day in honor of grandparents.

Grandparents hold a special role in their grandchildren’s lives – a role that includes sharing their wisdom and experiences. Grandparents are a source of strength and oftentimes are their grandchildren’s greatest advocates.

When parents are unable to raise their children, grandparents are frequently the ones stepping up and providing grandchildren with a sense of security.

Raising grandchildren can have many rewards yet taking grandchildren into one’s home requires significant adjustments. Grandparents become full-time caregivers who are responsible for their grandchildren’s daily activities like homework, meals, sports, financial commitments and more.

Many people may not realize that caregiving at any age often takes a financial, emotional and physical toll on caregivers. For older adult caregivers, such as grandparents who may be dealing with their own age-related health issues, caregiving can be quite challenging.

One of the critical components of caregiving is self-care. Caregivers must be as dedicated to caring for themselves as they are committed to caring for their loved ones. Below are a few tips for caregivers:

Take care of yourself first and never ignore your own health. Be sure to keep up with all your doctor’s appointments and routine and special tests.

Get enough rest. Healthy sleep habits include going to bed at the same time every night and incorporating a relaxing bedtime routine.

Eat nutritious meals and snacks. Food provides the energy you need to get through your day, so avoid skipping meals.

Take steps to manage stress. Did you know that one way to contend with stress is through laughter? Try for a daily dose of laughter. Swap funny stories with a friend, watch a silly pet video, read an entertaining article, or stream a comedy show.

Find time to exercise. Aim for a 30-minute walk several times a week. If your schedule is too busy, consider taking three shorter 10-minute walks each day. Regular physical activity, as in brisk walking, can relieve stress and anxiety according to the American Heart Association.

Learn more about family caregiver support programs. These programs are specifically designed to help people retain their health while caregiving. They provide support and resources so that caregivers can maintain physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing.

The Family Caregiver Support Program (FCSP) at Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) assists and supports caregivers of all ages, including grandparents raising grandchildren. OCES’ FCSP assists caregivers in developing a self-care plan and helps to identify alternative caregiving options so caregivers can have respite to prevent burnout. FCSP also connects caregivers to in-person and virtual support groups. Caregivers can learn techniques to help with stress reduction, time management, goal setting, problem-solving, relaxation and much more. Learn more about FCSP at www.ocesma.org/programs-services/caregiver-support or call 508-584-1561.

Source:

American Heart Association. (2024, April 22). Working out to relieve stress.
https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/working-out-to-relieve-stress