Caregiver Tips

One of the biggest challenges for caregivers is how to care for a loved one without it eating up your entire life or causing burn out. Taking care of yourself is just as important as taking care of a loved one and will help you be a happier person and better caregiver. Start by:

• Setting limits: learn to say “no” sometimes and realize that you can’t be all things to all people.
• Accepting help: take advantage of offers from family, friends and community agencies and don’t be afraid to ask for help when no one is volunteering to lend a hand. Family members may not realize you could use a break or aren’t sure how they can help, so be direct and clear about your needs.
• Taking a break: time off to pursue a hobby or guilty pleasure can help recharge energy and your spirits, putting you in a better mood to deal with the day-to-day challenges of care giving.
• Staying healthy: You’ll be little help to a loved one if you’re run down or sick. Squeeze 30 minutes of exercise in three times a week, eat well-balanced meals regularly (loading up on fruits and veggies and avoiding fast food) and try to get enough sleep at night.
• Being assertive: don’t be afraid to ask questions and seek answers from health-care providers.
• Getting support: care giving can seem like a lonely road sometimes, but there are lots of people in the same situation. Connect with support groups in your area such as Caregiver Network and share your experiences with others who know from their own experience what you’re going through.

More information on caregiver support is also available via our links page.