Navigating your family’s health and wellbeing can feel like a full-time job. Whether you are a caregiver for a family member or are responsible for your whole family’s healthcare – you know how rewarding yet challenging it can be. As the person who is in charge of managing your family’s health, it’s essential that you are informed, organized, and prepared for any challenges that come your way. We know how challenging it can be to be in charge of your family’s healthcare, which is why we’ve come up with a list of tips to help you better manage your family’s health. Here are 7 tips that will help you manage your family’s health and wellbeing.
1. Schedule appointments ahead of time
When you’re managing your family’s health, it’s important to arrange for appointments ahead of time. Schedule routine physical examinations, check-ups, and immunizations in advance to keep your and your family’s health on track. This will also help you avoid becoming overwhelmed with appointments all at once, and avoid missing appointments.
Do we know how challenging this can be? Yes. And no judgement if you just took a look at your calendar and realized you forgot to book that appointment for your mom or for your kids. The real goal is to make small improvements over time. It’s one of the reasons we are investing so much time into the Acensa Health app features like our appointment functionality. Download the app here to check it out.
2. Get organized
Finding a way to stay on top of appointments, which doctor is which and what medications need to be refilled, picked up or looked into can feel like a lot. And getting organized and having a place to store all of your appointment dates, information, and phone numbers all in one space can make a big difference. With the Acensa Health app, you can keep track of your family’s appointments and medical records all in one place. With the app, you can also jot down questions for doctor appointments and store medical records for each of your family members all in one place. Whether you’re separated or have a complicated family situation, everyone can stay updated and informed about the family’s health with the Acensa Health app.
3. Provide leadership
If the responsibility of managing your family’s health and wellbeing falls primarily on you, you must provide your family with leadership. By showing your family that you’re organized, informed, and in charge, your family will feel at ease knowing that you have their health and wellbeing under control. You can also set a good example by being a role model for eating healthy, having healthy sleeping habits, and exercising regularly to encourage your family to do the same.
4. Do your research
Whether you’re choosing a new doctor for you or a family member or want to know more about a chronic illness, it’s important that you do your research. Spend time researching online to keep yourself informed about doctors in your area and look through reviews to see what experience other patients have had. If you’re learning more about a chronic illness or health condition, speak to practitioners and research them online to stay informed about your family’s health.
5. Monitor your family’s health
Although it can be a lot to keep track of, try to monitor your family’s physical and mental health. If your family members have any chronic illnesses or health concerns, spend some time researching the conditions to become more knowledgeable in managing the condition. The more you know, the better equipped you’ll be to handle medical issues and emergencies in the family. Remind family members to take their medications as directed, book follow-up care appointments, and understand how you can implement preventative practices into your family’s routine. We understand it can be challenging, so don’t feel pressure to take this responsibility all on yourself and reach out to others to help support you.
6. Build a support system
Being in charge of your family’s health and wellbeing can be stressful and overwhelming at times. It’s important to understand that you can’t do it all on your own, even if you are the primary caregiver or person responsible for your family’s health. Luckily, there’s lots of ways to find support and reach out for help. Join a support group, meet with friends, or lean on other family members to help you through stressful and difficult times. Having a strong support system will keep you from burning out and provide you with care when you need it.
7. Practice self-care
Caring for your family’s health won’t be possible if you don’t prioritize yourself as well. You just can’t pull water from an empty well. Women are especially bad at this and often just keep going at breakneck speed until they are no longer able to function or hit burnout. Make sure to set aside time for yourself where you can rest, recharge, and take a break from the stress and responsibility of managing your family’s wellbeing.
Experts suggest that even 10-30 minutes a day of self care can make a big difference and help women balance their stress, feel happier and healthier.
Here’s some of our favorite ways to take a self-care break:
- Read a book,
- Meet up with friends for a meal or a coffee,
- Take a bath or have a long shower
- Watch your favorite movie or binge watch of your favorite shows
- Take part in a yoga class or meditation practice.
- Go for a walk either alone or with a friend.
- Spend time with animals.
- Take a nap or a “no-thinking” break.
- Speak to a mental health professional
Whatever you choose to do, make it something that adds back to your energy stores. Your wellbeing is just as important and is necessary to keep you refreshed and capable of managing your family’s health.
Managing your family’s health and wellbeing is overwhelming and exhausting, but there are ways you can discover to help cope and lessen the struggle or burden. We hope with these 7 tips, you’ll be better able to manage the stress and struggle while also making time to prioritize yourself and your wellbeing.