- THCA

Volume XXX, Number 3,
March 2015

“STEP BACK, HAVE A SEAT AND TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF!”

Provided by Bill Lowe, THCA Region 10 Chair

With this being National Long Term Care Administrators Week, I thought it appropriate we take a step back, sit down and take a look at just how we treat ourselves. A good work-life balance is a challenge for all working individuals but when you’re a part of an industry that is all about taking care of people, striking that balance can become even tougher.

Working in the aged care industry is unlike any other profession, as it requires a much deeper emotional involvement. The foundation of our job comes down to the relationship between us and the most vulnerable people within a community. Honestly, worrying about our resident’s condition, not even including management responsibilities, is a lot more difficult to leave at the office than paperwork.

Constantly being exposed to situations such as health deterioration and death is emotionally tough. The increased level of stress that comes as a result not only impacts our well-being but could also lead to mistakes.

Knowing we are stressed is something we need to recognize early on so we are able to meet these pressures head on. Watch for emotional signs like becoming easily irritated or overwhelmed and anxious. These are certainly symptoms of unhealthy stress. Stress can also affect us physically so watch for signs like, tense muscles, tiredness or increased blood pressure, skin conditions, loss of hair, etc. All of these symptoms can potentially lead to more serious medical problems such as heart disease, diabetes and others if they are not identified and treated appropriately.

In closing, remember these four tips for managing your stress:

Balanced diet and health lifestyle choices: Getting enough sleep along with health eating habits is a great place to begin.
Make time for yourself: Learning to relax is a skill which, when practiced regularly will help you control your emotions and improve your wellbeing.
Exercise: Being active is a great way to reduce your anxiety levels plus it gives your brain some time away from your busy schedule.
Communicate: Sometimes it can be difficult to figure out just what the exact stressor is. Talking it out can help you better understand what stresses you out and why. Talk with someone experiencing the same pressures and you could find yourselves coming to a solution together.

Happy National Long Term Care Administrator’s Week.

Remember: Step back, have a seat and take care of yourself!

National Long Term Care Administrator’s Week, sponsored by The American College of Health Care Administrators, is March 8-14, 2015. CLICK HERE to learn more.