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Caring for Yourself While Caring for Others
At Community Healthcare of Texas, we understand that caregiving is an act of love – one that can be both deeply rewarding and emotionally demanding. Whether you’re supporting a spouse, parent, or close friend, it’s natural to focus your energy on their comfort and needs. However, in doing so, many caregivers often overlook something just as important: caring for themselves.
Many caregivers become so absorbed with meeting the patient’s needs that they neglect their own. Community Healthcare of Texas encourages you to take time for yourself.
Taking an occasional break in your routine of giving care will help you avoid becoming over-stressed and vulnerable to other problems. By taking care of yourself, you are also making sure that you will be able to continue caring for the patient.
Here are a few basic ways you can do this:
Get the Food and Rest You Need
Make yourself sit down and eat three meals a day. It’s so easy to forget when you’re busy and under stress.
If your sleep at night is disturbed by giving care, take a nap during the day while the patient rests. When you miss more than a few hours of sleep, it can be hard to keep going.
Take Time for Yourself
Get out for a breath of fresh air or a change of scene. Even a brief walk around the neighborhood can make a big difference in your outlook.
Relax in a warm bath, read a book, or listen to music. Allow yourself a brief moment of solitude to clear your mind.
Let Others Take Part in the Work of Caregiving
Allow other family members and friends to participate. Many people want to be of help but don’t even know where to start. Allow yourself to tell people what they can do.
Keep a List
Write down the things that need to be done, and when someone asks to help you, give them an assignment. By doing something – anything – to help, they will feel included.
Let people bring meals, run errands, sit with the patient, or take the children out to play. Hospice volunteers are also available, and they want to help you with these tasks.
Seek and Accept Support Yourself
Remember, caregiving is not something you have to do alone. Taking care of yourself is one of the most loving things you can do – for both you and the person in your care.
Additional Support for Caregivers
At Community Healthcare of Texas, we’re here to walk alongside you. From helpful guides to emotional and spiritual support, our team offers resources designed to ease the caregiving journey. To learn more, visit our Patient and Family Resources page.
