Caregiver's Corner - Take Care of Yourself

According to www.caregiver.org, about 60% of caregivers show signs of clinical depression. They also take more prescription medicines, including those for anxiety and depression, than others their age who are not caregivers. Unfortunately, many caregivers of stroke patients do not take the time to take care of themselves and often isolate themselves from friends and family. Here are some steps that caregivers can take to protect their own health and emotional well–being:

1. Make time for yourself. Schedule time away from your loved one each week to do something you enjoy. Have a friend, other family member, church member or paid caregiver watch your loved one while you enjoy a dinner, movie, shopping trip, or maybe just time alone to read a book.

2. Accept help from others. When someone asks if they can help, say yes! Others can help with meals, getting groceries, yardwork, watching your loved one, running errands, etc.

3. Get enough sleep.

4. Join an online or in person support group so you can vent frustrations or get informative caregiver tips that can help you.

5. Don’t isolate yourself from family and friends.

6. Seek counseling if needed.