6 Simple Ways to Protect Your Health as a Foster Carer

Foster carers need to be fit and healthy to care for their foster children. However, many foster carers worry that they do not have the time to take care of their health. The good news is that staying fit and healthy is easier than you’d think. Follow the tips below to protect your health as a foster carer:

1 Eat a Well-Balanced Diet

All foster care agencies, including Foster Care Associates Scotland, state that foster carers need to take great care of their health. One of the best ways to do this is to eat a healthy, well-balanced diet. Your whole family can benefit from this. Get your foster child and other family members involved in creating a meal plan each week and cooking together.

2 Get Plenty of Exercise

Another fantastic way to protect your health is to get at least 30 minutes of exercise a day. This doesn’t mean you have to go to the gym each day; taking a walk with your foster child, playing at the park with them, or going swimming is enough to help you stay fit and healthy.

3 Watch Out for Signs of Burnout

Being a foster carer can be tiring at times. So, you will need to watch out for signs of burnout. If you start feeling overwhelmed and tired, you must take a break. Your support network can help you with this. They can play with your foster child while you take a short bath or have a cup of coffee and read a book. Agencies such as Foster Care Associates Scotland, also offer up to 14 nights paid respite, so do utilise short-breaks to help you recharge and look after your mental health.

4 Safety is Key

We all know the importance of wearing seatbelts, helmets, and other protective equipment when we go out and about; however, sometimes, we forget to use them when we’re in a rush. While most of the time, this doesn’t cause an issue, you could be left with severe injuries if an accident occurs. To prevent this from happening, take your time and make sure you put your and your family’s safety first.

5. Don’t Smoke or Drink Alcohol

You not only want to protect your health for yourself but also for your foster child. Taking good care of your health helps you to be the best foster carer you can be. One of the easiest ways to do this is by avoiding alcohol and stopping smoking. This will protect your health now and in the future.

6 Schedule Regular Checkups

Scheduling regular checkups with your doctor is another terrific way to care for your health as a foster carer. Your doctor will perform routine tests like blood tests and ask questions to get a complete picture of your health. By visiting your GP regularly, you will be able to stay on top of any potential health problems before they become more serious.

Foster carers must take great care of their health to ensure they can fulfil their role to the best of their ability. The tips above can help them with this.