Caregivers: Safeguard your Health
Caregivers: Safeguard your Health
You do an important job, but you need to care for yourself first in order to be able to care for others.
This is why selfcare is so important!
We’ll tell you what caregivers need most to limit caregiver stress and keep themselves well.
A caregiver is someone who helps care for someone who needs help caring for themselves. Some caregivers are informal, typically family members, while others may be paid professionals. Caregivers may give care at home or in a care facility or hospital.
Caregiving can be rewarding, and it may help to strengthen your connection and relationship with the cared-for-person.
However, caregiving is also often stressful and even overwhelming, as you may be involved in meeting complex demands without any training. There may be a heavy emotional toll caring for a loved one or someone who is suffering. This is not good for caregivers’ long-term health.
In fact, caregivers are generally found to suffer at a higher rate than the general population from:
Therefore, if you are a caregiver, it is important that you take steps to safeguard your own health.
These steps include:
For example, caring for someone with dementia? You can access information about how to care for someone living with the condition here. My Dynamics has comprehensive Mental Health information and resources available on Let’s Talk.
Try to find as many resources as possible to help you care for the affected person and get in contact with local community support groups or support groups for carers.
Importantly, if you feel you need specialised training to be equipped to handle the demands, speak up sooner rather than later. Many organisations offer different training for caregivers.
It is very important that you realise when you need help and know where to ask for it.
You must be able to realise when you are overwhelmed and if you have any signs or symptoms of burnout or depression.
Ask for help and consider taking a break from your care duties to recharge if possible.
If you are struggling to cope and need someone to talk to, you can find help here.
Make sure that you have emotional support and stay in touch with loved ones and friends.
Living healthily is easier said than done.
Make sure to take care of your own health by eating a health, well-balanced diet and getting enough exercise and sleep.
Visit Cooking from the Heart for healthy and easy everyday meal inspiration.