New! Monthly Dementia Support Group for Family Caregivers
Led by Susie Sarkisian, CPCC, Certified Life Coach
Tuesday, April 2nd 6pm-7pm PDT. Click HERE & Register Now!
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New! Monthly Dementia Support Group for Family Caregivers
Led by Susie Sarkisian, CPCC, Certified Life Coach
Tuesday, April 2nd 6pm-7pm PDT. Click HERE & Register Now!
Open Mobile Menu
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‘Tis the Season to Slow Down: A Workshop on Caring for the Caregiver

It’s that time of year—when caregivers strive to ensure their families and loved ones are happy, healthy, and safe as we head into the holiday season full-speed. 

But too often, caregivers forget about self-care and find themselves feeling stretched too thin, tired, and unable to enjoy the seasonal festivities to their utmost. 

On Dec. 6 from 6-7 p.m., Kensington Support Coach Susie Sarkisian shared insight and expert advice on the best ways to slow down and savor this season with those you love—without sacrificing your health or wellness.

How to balance the role of caregiving and self-care

At we move closer to the holidays, signs of celebration are everywhere—Christmas trees stand tall in shopping centers, inflated snowmen, and reindeer waddle and wave on neighborhood lawns, and multicolored lights dance in the wintertime evenings. 

But many caregivers face additional demands this time of year that can make even simple tasks feel much more difficult. At The Kensington Redondo Beach, we understand what you’re dealing with. 

That’s why, during our interactive caregiver workshop (via Zoom), our guest panel, led by Susie Sarkisian, Kensington Family Support Coach, will provide real-world tips and tools on how you can balance providing support for your loved ones without sacrificing self-care for caregivers like you. 

Ways to incorporate methods of stress relief and self-care into your busy routine 

The holidays can seem especially busy, leaving caregivers feeling unable to squeeze in even a few minutes for themselves. But caregiver self-care isn’t simply a nice-to-have; it’s essential. 

When you prioritize taking care of your physical, mental, and emotional well-being, you’re making sure you’ll be able to provide the care you want to those you love.

Some of the most effective steps you can take to help avoid caregiver burnout are also some of the most basic. 

Eat three meals a day

Yes, the holidays mean snacks and sweets. And treating yourself now and then is great, but a dinner of chocolate cake won’t leave you feeling refreshed to tackle the next day’s tasks. Ensure you’re eating food that leaves you feeling nourished so that you’ll have more energy and a better-balanced mood.

Get regular sleep 

Getting enough sleep to help you feel rested is imperative to combat caregiver stress. When we sleep, our cortisol levels drop, allowing our body’s systems to reset and come back into balance, reducing the effects of stress.

Make time to exercise every day—even if it’s just a few minutes

Exercise is another way to help our bodies deal with stress. And while you may be thinking you can’t afford a 30-minute workout, you’ll be pleased to know even little spurts of exercise can help. 

Parking your car a few blocks away and walking to your destination can raise your heart rate, and ten minutes of dancing around the house can do wonders for your mood. 

Sing along with your favorite songs

Singing is another effective way to lessen stress, especially during the holiday season. What better time to turn on the car radio and sing along to your favorite tunes or holiday carols? 

At our upcoming workshop, we’ll share simple, effective, easy-to-implement techniques to help you find more energy and joy during the season. 

When to ask for help with caregiving—not be afraid of doing so

As a caregiver, asking for help isn’t always easy. But it’s important to remember that others often want to help but don’t know how. 

Asking for help when you need it is one of the most effective, worthwhile gifts you can give yourself—and those who depend on you. 

Consider ways that others can participate in caregiving, such as stopping in for a visit. Or look for ways others can free up some of your time, like picking your child up from an afterschool event or shoveling your driveway when it snows. 

Little things can go a long way in reducing caregiver stress and burnout. 

When caregiving becomes too much: The signs and symptoms of burnout

Caregiver burnout can happen to anyone exposed to ongoing stressors. Common signs and symptoms of burnout can include:

  • Always feeling tired no matter how much you sleep
  • Feeling overwhelmed or that everything is hopeless
  • Overeating or skipping meals
  • Isolating yourself from family and friends
  • Headaches
  • Irritability
  • Mood changes

We’ll look at caregiver stress and stress reduction techniques at our workshop next week. 

How The Kensington Redondo Beach devotes care to both seniors and their caregivers

As a memory care community, The Kensington Redondo Beach prioritizes our residents’—and their families’—health and well-being. 

To help caregivers successfully navigate family dynamics and decision-making surrounding their loved ones, and any other caregiver challenges they might face, we offer a variety of caregiver events and resources, like Kensington Konnect—your one-stop-shop for caregiver tips, advice, and information.

Our Promise is to love and care for our residents as we do our own 

At The Kensington Redondo beach, Our Promise to you and your family is to love them as we love our own family. 

To do that, we focus on our core values of love and respect for our residents, and each other, in combination with a shared passion for excellence and a call to serve.

Our promise isn’t just words we say; it’s a philosophy that governs every action and activity we undertake. 

We work with valued team members who combine exemplary care, compassion, understanding, and patience when assisting our residents as they live their best lives. And that includes providing caregiver support. 

If you’d like more information about life at The Kensington Redondo Beach, such as our fine dining and rehabilitation services, we’d love to hear from you. 

Call The Kensington Redondo Beach today.

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