Caring for the Caregiver

Former First Lady Rosalynn Carter—the inspiration for the Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregiving—once said, "There are four kinds of people in this world: those who have been caregivers, those who currently are caregivers, those who will be caregivers, and those who will need caregivers."

In fact, approximately 65 million (29 percent) American adults have served as unpaid family caregivers (for the ill, elderly, or disabled) in the past 12 months.* It’s a full-time job with no application process, no training, and plenty of responsibility. Yet it’s a job none of us would turn down—the opportunity to care for a loved one is the ultimate act of love and service.

What is a Caregiver?

By definition, a caregiver is anyone helping a loved one to navigate a significant illness, such as cancer, stroke, or Alzheimer’s—but the term doesn’t even come close to describing the endless list of roles associated with caregiving. Caregivers are charged with a multitude of tasks that may include physical and emotional support, managing medical appointments and paperwork, managing a household, overseeing finances, and much more. In other words, caregivers do it all—and then some.

Why Caregivers Need Support

Caregiving can be an overwhelming juggling act that requires a great deal of adjustment. It is both physically and emotionally exhausting. For caregivers, the need to stay on top of tasks tends to overshadow everything else and as a result, emotional health sometimes takes a backseat. On top of a long list of tasks and responsibilities, caregivers may grapple with helplessness, grief, anger, guilt, anxiety, depression, and loneliness.

Caregiver burnout is common because caregivers are so focused on caring for their loved ones that they forget to care for themselves. But never has self-care been more important. We’ve all heard it before—we must “put on our own oxygen mask before we can assist others.”

Restorative Yoga for Caregivers

Restorative yoga is the antidote to stress and fatigue. The postures are fully supported and deeply nourishing to the physical body and mental state of wellbeing. Restorative yoga helps quiet the bind, boost the immune system, lower blood pressure, and reduce stress. It’s the perfect way for caregivers to relax and replenish so that they can maintain their own health and wellbeing while they continue to be effective caregivers.

Join Katherine Pleasants for

Restorative Yoga for Caregivers

Saturday May 4, 2:00-3:00 & Saturday June 1, 2:00-3:00

FREE to caregivers

Contact Tim Hanna, Health & Wellness Concierge to reserve your spot:  thanna@thunderspring.com or 208.725.0595 x106

*Caregiving in the U.S. 2009, National Alliance for Caregiving in collaboration with AARP. http://www.caregiving.org/caregiving2009_press_release.htm