Church Partnership Newsletter September 2017 | Page 3

Self–Care for the Caregiver
Make wellness a priority. You may feel like you have to “do it all,” regardless of the toll it takes on you.
However, you can’t take care of others if you don’t take care of yourself. Take time out of your day to:
 Eat a balanced diet. This may be easier than you think because you may be sharing meals with
your loved one, who will also need to eat balanced, healthy meals.
 Get plenty of rest. If you’re short on sleep, take naps when your
loved one does. If you can’t sleep because your loved one
wanders or is restless at night (this is common in people who
have dementia), read “Caring for a Relative Who Has Dementia”
for tips on dealing with this problem and other behavior problems.
 Exercise. Thirty to 60 minutes of exercise 4 to 6 times a week
can give you more energy, reduce stress, and imp rove your
mood. If your loved one is up for it, you can walk or find another
type of exercise to do together.
 Manage stress. Your emotional health can impact your physical
health. For tips on how to manage stress, read “Caregiver Stress.”
 Avoid alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs. It may seem that these substances help you feel
better for a short time, but they can affect your sleep and cause health problems if you use them
regularly. If you are having trouble limiting how much you drink or quitting smoking, talk to your
family doctor.
Seek treatment. If you think you might have a physical or emotional problem, be sure to see your family
doctor as soon as possible.. Your health and well-being are important.
Visit your doctor for regular check-ups. Even if you don’t think you’re sick, it’s still important to see
your doctor for regular check-ups. Your doctor can help you stay healthy by providing preventive
services. Preventive services include health tests and screenings, vaccinations, and health advice
appropriate for your age, sex, and medical and family history. These services help prevent disease and
will help catch any medical conditions you do have early.
Take a break from caregiving. Accept that there is a limit to what you can do as a caregiver.
Recognize when you feel overwhelmed or are physically unable to complete a task, and ask for help in
caring for your loved one. Plan for times when you will need help by making a list of people who are
willing to lend a hand. This list might include family members, friends, and temporary care workers. On
your list, include phone numbers, the times people are available, and the tasks they feel most
comfortable doing. Keep a copy of the list with you at all times in case you’re away from home when you
need to ask someone for help. Or, look into community services such as in-home health care, adult day
care, respite care, and meal delivery or transportation services.
Resource: https://familydoctor.org/caregiver-health-and-wellness/?adfree=true