How Caregivers Can Stay Healthy
Remember that one of your responsibilities as a caregiver is taking care of yourself.
As a caregiver helping your patient through treatment and recovery requires
understanding, encouragement, patience, and energy. Caregivers become part
advocate, nurse, organizer and financial analyst, in addition to maintaining their other
responsibilities. Caring for someone with a life-threatening disease can be emotionally
and physically draining. Caregiver burn-out can occur even when caring for a dearest
loved one. For this reason, keep the following things in mind:
- Remember to take care of and be kind to yourself. The job you are performing is
difficult and can be taxing. Let yourself have personal quality time to do what you
like.
- Make sure you are caring for yourself body and soul: adequate sleep, proper
nutrition, and regular exercise (particularly a relaxing activity such as yoga) are
critical to your well-being at this time.
- Be aware of how you are feeling emotionally. Depression is common for
individuals in your position—seek professional help immediately if you are
experiencing signs of depression.
- Accept assistance from others when offered, and make specific suggestions as
to what they can do. Allow yourself to take a break when needed.
- Listen to yourself. Your gut instincts most often lead you in the right direction.
- Allow yourself to grieve. Then allow yourself to move forward and dream of new
possibilities and experiences.
- Seek support from other caregivers, and gain strength and comfort from the
understanding of those in similar situations. You are not alone. Some online
caregiver support resources include:
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