If you help take care of someone who’s sick, you’re a caregiver. And you’re not alone. About one in five Americans help care for a family member or friend with long-term health conditions.1 Many caregivers also work full-time and have their own families who need them.
Caring for someone you love can be rewarding. But it’s hard to balance being a caregiver with work and family life. Over time, all of the juggling can add stress, affecting your emotional and physical well-being. So, take the time to take care of yourself, too. You have to rest and recharge if you expect to be at your best as a caregiver. Here are some of the ways that others, like yourself, have managed their stress.
Tune into yourself so you’ll know when you’re stressed. When your focus is on caring for another person, you can forget to pay attention to your own needs. As a caregiver, you’re more likely to feel depressed or anxious. Watch out for signs of stress like:
- Feeling tired most of the time
- Feeling overwhelmed and irritable
- Sleeping or eating too much or too little
- Losing interest in activities you used to enjoy
Practice self-care. Take care of yourself to help avoid getting sick with a cold or flu, and be aware of any signs of new medical problems—like heart disease and diabetes.
- Eat a healthy diet and follow an exercise routine, even if it’s going for a short walk every day
- Get regular check-ups at the doctor’s office
- Stay up-to-date on vaccinations, including a yearly flu shot
- Get plenty of rest. Most adults need seven to eight hours of sleep each night
Ask for help. This isn’t always easy to do. Make a list of all the things that need to get done. Then divide up the work and ask the people around you to choose how they’d like to help. Accepting help gives you the time you need for yourself.
Take breaks, often. Make some time for yourself. You probably need that more than you think. Catch up with a friend over coffee or get back into something you enjoy. Relax by reading a book, listening to music or doing yoga. Or just sit quietly and let your body and mind float for a while.
Find local resources. Look for local services that exist to make caregiving easier. Talk to your doctor or contact your local Area Agency on Aging to find services like:
- Prepared meals that can be delivered
- Rides to and from places, like the doctor's office
- Skilled, in-home care provided by medical staff, such as a nurse, physical therapist or social worker
Join a support group. Sometimes you just need to talk to people going through the same caregiver challenges. Sharing feelings, ideas and resources can help you cope.
Remember, you’re not alone in this. Your Coram® CVS Specialty® Infusion Services (Coram) care team is here to help, anytime. Contact us for more tips on managing stress or finding resources. You can also visit the Family Caregiver Alliance at Caregiver.org.
1. Caregiving. Family Caregiver Alliance. FCA websitehttps://caregiver.org/
This information is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment. Talk to your doctor or health care provider about your medical condition and prior to starting any new treatment. Coram assumes no liability whatsoever for the information provided or for any diagnosis or treatment made as a result.
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