Staying Connected to Your Spouse Amidst Your Caregiver Responsibilities

By Julie McCormick, Co-Owner | August 19, 2016 | Comments Off on Staying Connected to Your Spouse Amidst Your Caregiver Responsibilities

Caregiver in Frederick County VA

Stepping into the role of being a family caregiver is a life changing transition. Fulfilling these responsibilities means that you are not going to have the time and energy that you once did to devote Caregiver-in-Frederick-County-VAto other things in your life. Often when this happens the first relationship to suffer is your marriage. Taking the time to stay connected to your spouse is an important part of maintaining this valuable relationship, getting the support that you need, and ensuring that even after your care journey has come to an end, you still have your life to live.

 

Use these ideas to help you stay connected to your partner amidst your caregiver responsibilities:

 

  • Remember physical touch. Physical touch is essential to the health and wellbeing of all humans. It is likely that your partner is your primary source of this touch, but when you are invested in the busyness and stress of caring for your parent you might forget to seek out this touch from your loved one. This can result in feeling more stressed, anxious, depressed, and distanced from your marriage. Take the time each day to touch your partner. Hug them first thing in the morning. Give them a kiss before leaving the house. Hold their hand when you are out with them. Cuddle with them when watching your favorite show. This touch will reaffirm your connection and help to manage your stress levels.
  • Leave notes. There is nothing more uplifting than knowing that your partner is thinking about you, especially when you have felt distanced and disconnected from them due to a new or intensified care arrangement. Create these moments of connection by writing notes for your partner. Put them in places where they are going to find them throughout the day, such as in a briefcase or glove compartment, or on their windshield, or in their lunch. Just a brief message reminding them that you love them is highly beneficial for both of you.
  • Aromatherapy. It might not be something that you think about regularly, but your partner’s smell has a strong emotional connection for you. You can utilize this as your own form of aromatherapy that not only helps you to keep your caregiver stress in check and promote better emotional health during the day, but also to maintain that sense of emotional connection with your partner. Bring along a shirt that they have worn when you know that you are going to have a stressful day. When you are feeling overwhelmed or need a connected moment, smell the shirt and let the familiar scent calm you.
  • Have date nights. Spending time together is a critical part of maintaining a healthy and fulfilling relationship. Continue to plan date nights that you can enjoy with your partner. This can be elaborate such as going out to eat and going dancing, or simple such as sitting at home with your phones off watching your favorite movies together. Whatever allows you to spend dedicated time together on a regular basis will be a valuable way to keep you close.

 

If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring a professional caregiver services in Frederick County, VA, please contact the caring staff at LivinRite Home Care. Call Us Today at (703) 369-6677. Serving Northern Virginia, The Valley, and Surrounding Communities

Julie McCormick, Co-Owner
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