"Nearly 49 million Americans provide care to older, chronically ill or disabled adults." National Alliance for Caregiving
Self care for the caregiver is absolutely critical. If we do not take care of ourselves, the disease of the person for whom we provide care will kill us too.
Ways to arrange self care:
Share the care. Arrange with family or pay someone to come in to provide services.
Stay informed. We are better advocates for the care receiver when we are informed.
Be healthy ourselves. Keep your own medical appointments. Get enough sleep, eat well, exercise.
Have support. Either join a support group or have friends and family who support you emotionally.
Stay connected. Make sure you continue to have social connections.
Take time for yourself. Really. Take time to have fun, be relaxed, enjoy life.
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