As rewarding as caring for your loved one is, it can also be difficult. In fact, two out of three family caregivers report having at least one mental health symptom.
Caring for your loved one can feel lonely, but you don’t have to do it alone. There are a wide variety of resources in Licking and Fairfield Counties to help family caregivers relax, recharge and find support.
How Family Caregivers Can Manage Stress in Licking and Fairfield Counties
Licking and Fairfield counties have a wealth of resources to help you take care of yourself. Even better, many of them are free or discounted for seniors. Here are a few of our favorite ways you and your loved one can manage stress in the area.
Get Outdoors
With spring on the way, it’s time to load up those baskets and head out for a picnic at Rotary Park in Newark. With open fields, shady groves and large pavilions, Rotary Park is the perfect spot for everything from a solo lunch outside to a group cookout.
Once the weather warms up, head to Buckeye Lake State Park and relax by the water. Buckeye Lake has great spots for swimming and fishing, as well as a variety of boat launches. For a night of true outdoor seclusion, you can even book one of the boat-in campsites on some of the lake’s small islands.
Spend Time Exercising
Getting moving can help you get out of your head. According to recent research, exercise has major benefits for mental health as well as physical health, reducing stress and lifting mood. In fact, a regular exercise routine can even improve your sleep.
One easy way to do that is to schedule a regular stop at the Buckeye Valley Family YMCA. With facilities and programs for nearly every kind of exercise, the Y is a great place to stay fit and clear your head.
Engage in the Community
Did you know that people who spend at least six hours per day socializing are 12 times more likely to describe themselves as happy? Socializing is crucial to mental health, and one of the best ways to get in regular social time is to connect with the local community.
Luckily, the Licking County Community Center for Seniors has a wide variety of programs to help elders and family caregivers stay engaged, such as:
- Continued learning events like a speaker series, a book club and trivia lunches.
- Social occasions like walks, restaurant lunches and table games.
- Group exercise like dancing, pickleball, tai chi and yoga.
- Creative classes like painting, calligraphy and flower arranging.
We particularly recommend the last of these. Flexing your creative muscles is a great way to connect with yourself and reduce stress. Even if you can’t make it to a class, it helps to set aside a few hours each week for your hobbies.
Catch Some Live Music
There’s nothing quite like live music to improve your mood and help you unwind—and it’s easier to find than you might expect. River Road Coffee Shop hosts regular performances from local musicians. And with three locations in the area, the next show is never far off.
Get Support
Sometimes, the best way to process stress is just to talk about it, either with a friend or with others who understand what you’re going through. Licking County Aging Partners has a variety of resources and events to support family caregivers and seniors alike, as well as a lively social calendar.
In fact, one of their regular support groups for family caregivers is hosted by our own staff member Bethany Cain, a licensed social worker, in conjunction with the Alzheimer’s Association.
Bethany provides a space where you can draw on the strength, compassion and experience of other family caregivers to improve your resilience. And when your tank is full, this group gives you an opportunity to bond with other caregivers by supporting them in turn.
Reach Out for Support
Being a family caregiver is meaningful and rewarding, but sometimes you need help. But the good news is that with so many resources available in Licking and Fairfield Counties, you’re not alone.
If you need help directly caring for your loved one, FirstLight Home Care of Licking and Fairfield Counties is here for you. Our professional caregivers can step in on a temporary or ongoing basis, giving your loved one the same gentle care and companionship you would.
If you’re interested in how our professional caregivers can help you, or if you just want to learn more about local resources, feel free to contact us.