Assalamualaikum,
Let’s get real for a moment.
Caregiving doesn’t fall apart because you don’t love your parents.
It falls apart because of small, unnoticed mistakes that slowly drain your energy, your peace — and your family.
Today, we want to show you the
3 most common traps caregivers fall into…
and how to escape them before they burn you out.
Mistake #1: Skipping a Daily Schedule
This one’s a silent killer.
No schedule = confusion, forgetfulness, falls, skipped meds, mood swings.
And when the elderly feel lost… they get scared, irritable, or withdrawn.
Suddenly, you’re reacting to problems all day instead of preventing them.
Here’s what to do today:
Use a simple routine.
Wake-up, meals, meds, light activity, bedtime.
We’ll go deeper into this tomorrow.
But know this: structure saves sanity.
Mistake #2: Ignoring Hydration and Nutrition
Your parent seems cranky?
Can’t sleep? Constipated?
You might think it’s ageing.
Often, it’s just dehydration.
Try this today:
Sit down. Meet them at eye level.
Speak slowly, gently, with warmth.
Don’t multitask while talking.
Use positive memories to anchor conversations.
The fix:
- 100ml (half a paper cup) every 2 hours
- Avoid large amounts after 8pm (to prevent falls at night)
- Keep meals simple and nutritious — oats, soups, soft veggies
Watch for signs:
dry lips, confusion, headaches, dark urine Food and water are *not optional*.
They are medicine.
Mistake #3: Neglecting Your Own Wellbeing
Let’s call it what it is...
Many caregivers break down (not because of the load) but because they ignore their own needs.
They stop journaling.
Stop connecting with friends.
Stop checking in with themselves.
You can’t pour from an empty cup.
The fix
- Write 1 line each day: “How do I feel today?”
- Make du’a. Vent to Allah. Cry if you need to.
- Reach out to someone.
Even one trusted friend or support group.
- Explore respite care if needed. (AIC can help.)
Your health is not a luxury. It’s a requirement.
You’re doing something beautiful.
But beauty breaks when it’s not maintained.
Tomorrow, I’ll show you how to go from zero to a stable daily routine — even if life feels messy right now.
Small changes. Big peace.
Wassalam,
Shahib & Azura
LegasiSyurga.com