Caring for Yourself
The only way to manage caregiving is to also take care of yourself.
You can’t provide the best care possible if you are stressed or dealing with health issues of your own. National data from AARP shows that 1 in 4 family caregivers say their physical health has gotten worse because of caregiving. About 1 in 3 say the same about their mental health. Taking care of yourself doesn’t have to take a lot of time, but it’s important. When you have a plan and are managing your stress, you will be better able to help the person you are caring for. Here are some tips to manage your job as caregiver, adapted from the Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregivers:
- Get sleep whenever you can
- Take breaks throughout the day
- Talk to a friend
- Join a support group
- Make and keep your own medical appointments
- Ask for and accept help when it’s offered
- Consider professional or spiritual counseling
- Spend time in places that make you feel good—a special part of your home, a favorite spot outside, or a spot in your community that you like to visit.
- Allow the person you’re caring for as much independence as they can create for themselves
- Set boundaries if you need to so that you are not doing everything
- Find a funny movie or book and let yourself laugh
- Don’t waste your time and energy trying to change things you can’t change
- Plan ahead
- Keep good notes from and for appointments
- Know where the important papers are, and how to get a hold of doctors or other medical professionals
- Speak up and let professionals know what you and the person you are caring for need