Caring for the Caregiver

Take strength in identifying yourself as the caregiver. You are making the best decisions you can for you and your loved one. Trust your instincts. Learn what you are good at and what you don’t do so well. This will help you decide when to say “no” and when to ask for help. Take pride in what you do well.

Caregivers often experience frustration, depression, and stress. These emotions can hinder your ability to provide good care and eventually harm your own health. Therefore, commit to taking care of yourself in order to take better care of your loved one.

• Protect your health by getting enough rest, exercising, eating well and maintaining an active social network. Get regular respite and medical checkups.
• Watch out for signs of depression (isolation, sadness, excessive sleepiness, apathy, suicidal thoughts) and seek help quickly if you need it.
• Take charge of your life, and don't let your loved one's illness always take center stage. Caregiving should only be one aspect of your life. Be sure to get out and live your life.
• Ask for help, and when people offer help, accept it. Make it easy for them by having specific tasks (i.e., grocery shopping, housekeeping, reading aloud, taking you to a movie). Caregiving is not a one-person job.
• Ask for financial help to pay for professional care.
• Utilize community groups that provide caregiver respite. If you are comfortable with technology, consider setting up a group calendar and email where you can post times and tasks that you need help with.
• Learn everything you can about your loved one’s condition so that you can talk comfortably with the doctors and medical staff. When using the Internet, stick with well-known medical sites. Write down questions that you can ask during appointments. Information is empowering.
• Seek support from other caregivers. There is great comfort in knowing you are not alone and that other people have been there too. Other caregivers often have great tips for you too. And just sometimes, they will make you laugh when you need it most.