How To Care For The Caregiver
More than 65 million family caregivers — 29% of the U.S. adult population — provide an average of 20 hours of care per week; some provide care around the clock. The physical and emotional toll can be overwhelming. So how can you nurture yourself as the caregiver? 1. Seek support from other caregivers. There are great benefits from knowing that there’s a netw ork of other caregivers you can turn to for encouragement and problem-solving. 2. Take care of your own health. You need rest, healthy food, plenty of water, and time away—whether it’s taking a walk, meeting a friend for a movie, or taking a nap. 3. Keep your ow n doctor appointments. Let your doctor know that you are a caregiver and be sure to mention any signs of depression (e.g., overeating or loss of appetite; difficulty concentrating, remembering details, and making decisio ns; feelings of hopelessness ). 4. Be fl exible. Why argue for 30 minutes to get your loved one to ...