A Guide for Home Carers During Ramadan
Ramadan is a month that represents the fourth of the five pillars of Islam and entails ‘Sawm’ (fasting).
During this period, over 2 billion Muslims dedicate their time to giving thanks and being grateful to Allah, using this time to help the community by spending time, providing care, and charity to people they love.
Observing the Fast
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, and the sacred month of the Islamic year. During this time, Muslims fast and focus on prayer the entire day, breaking the fast in the evening.
All Muslims should fast during Ramadan. But there are exceptions for a specific group of people. They include:
Pregnant women
Menstruating women
Older persons
Breastfeeding mothers
Individuals with health conditions
Carers and Ramadan
Carers are able-bodied and don’t fall into this category. Like many Muslims, they should fast and still give care to people in their homes. The work carers do is demanding and impacts physical health, making it essential to manage energy levels and find the strength to continue every day.
At the beginning of the holy month, most people are enthusiastic and optimistic about the fast ahead. But as the week progresses, the spirit may dwindle.
Here are the best tips home support workers can use for the Islamic sacred months.
1. Set Time for Oneself
The nature of carers is to offer homecare services to the people they look after. It means performing duties that older and sickly people can no longer perform.
Organising your time will ensure you find time for yourself before caring for the people you help and support to meet their daily obligations.
Wake up at least 30-45 minutes before waking others to eat ‘sahur’ can make a big difference. You can use this time to reflect peacefully and plan for the day ahead.
2. Mind Your Eating Habits
Sahur begins the fast, and Iftar marks its end. The food you eat in the morning should be sufficient to last you through the day.
It doesn’t mean that you should overeat, as this will make you sluggish and slow through the day.
Iftar comes at the end of the day, and people may overcompensate by overfeeding. Eat something light at the start to break the fast.
3. Be Patient
Patience is a core value in Islam, especially during Ramadan. All Muslims should practise ‘Sabr’ even though it’s a challenging virtue to hold. It’s important to build our patience and tolerance in the holy month.
Our carers are professionals, but they are also humans. Sometimes, all you need is a reminder not to take matters too personally.
Try to maintain ‘sawm’ and keep the day holy. Reach out to your supervisor, office or manager if you need support; we are always available to help. If you or your loved one needs structured care, a homecare package can provide the right level of assistance tailored to individual needs.
4. Plan the Meals
Preparing meals in advance helps ensure you break your fast on time. You can also keep it refrigerated.
Reheating the food for ‘suhoor’ and “iftar” consumes less time, and this allows you to squeeze in some time for rest and prayer.
Finding ways to keep order during Ramadan is beneficial to everybody.
5. Choose Nutritious Foods
During Ramadan, many food bazaars offer all kinds of foods and drinks for Muslims to break their fast. These foods satisfy immediate cravings but may fail to add value to your body. Most foods have high-fat content and sugar, which may leave you feeling lethargic.
Homemade meals are also a way of caring for loved ones. Preparing them meals that offer energy to sustain them through the day without feeling like lapsing and breaking fast midway.
Foods like bananas, dates, nuts, brown rice, and dried raisins help replenish the body. A balanced meal comprises proteins, carbohydrates, and fruits. You should also include some low-calorie meals such as almonds, cashews, and walnuts.
Consider foods with sugars that your body absorbs slowly to avoid a sugar rush. Change your Ramadan menu and show your loved ones that you care for their health and wellbeing.
6. Stay Hydrated
During the Ramadan period, you may experience some higher temperatures if we’re lucky with the weather. When the temperatures are high, our body loses fluids through sweat. Losing too much water from our bodies can cause dizziness or fainting.
Hydrating well during meals ensures that we can breeze through the day with the energy to care for others. The choice of fluids to consume also matters. You can drink milk, juice, or soup and feel satisfied. But it’s encouraged to drink water.
7. Keep the Mind and Body Active
It might be tempting to engage in activities that require physical strength during Ramadan. You can engage your mind and keep your physical strength by diversifying the activities.
To keep the body active, you can indulge in stretching exercises that won’t leave you tired after the workout.
Alternatively, you can venture into creative pastimes through activities like painting, crosswords, or puzzles to create enjoyable moments while keeping the mind stimulated.
8. Managing Withdrawal from Caffeine
Many people across the world drink coffee in the morning. It’s easy to become a heavy coffee drinker. During Ramadan, you should be content with having coffee in the morning and evening only. Cutting back too quickly can cause headaches, fatigue, and irritability.
Coffee encourages fluid loss, so it’s advisable to avoid it in the morning. Rather than quitting abruptly, reduce caffeine intake gradually before Ramadan.
Limiting caffeine consumption and fasting won’t seem like an obligation but a necessity to feed your spiritual wellness. Instead, try to replace caffeine with nourishing alternatives like smoothies and fresh juices.
Comfort Keepers Stands with You This Ramadan
Ramadan is a meaningful but demanding time for every Muslim. But as you prepare to care for others, remember to embrace self-care and practise the above tips to avoid stressing your mind and body.
Let’s all care for one another and create an environment where those we care for can strengthen their faith and connection to Allah.
At Comfort Keepers, we value and respect our Muslim brothers and sisters. Our compassionate carers are here to provide the support you need during Ramadan and beyond.
Get in Touch
Whether you need homecare support or are considering a career in care, we’re happy to guide you.
Start your care journey today, see the steps to getting started.
Looking for a fulfilling role? Apply now or send your CV to recruitment@comfortkeepers.ie.
Don’t hesitate to contact us if you or a loved one requires homecare services.
