Caring for Your Loved One

 

Being a caregiver can mean many different things. What is involved depends on where the person you're caring for is in their treatment journey and how they are feeling physically and emotionally. They may want someone to hold their hand at the doctor’s appointment, pick up a few groceries, or simply someone to talk to.

A caregiver can be:

A companion, a helper, and a sounding board

Someone who provides physical and emotional support

An essential member of a patient’s care team

Caring for the Caregiver

 

Being a caregiver often involves more than simply attending appointments. There is so much that can go into being a caregiver, and often caregivers are still managing their own responsibilities in addition to those of their loved ones. As a caregiver, it’s just as important to take care of yourself and recognize when you need support. Below are some ways you can take care of you.

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Accept your feelings

Give yourself permission to feel a full range of emotions.

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Talk to friends or family

Share your feelings with loved ones or join a support group.

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Take a break

Schedule regular breaks and take some time out for yourself.

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Stay active

Participate in physical and recreational activities.

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Pursue professional support

Find a therapist who is trained to help.

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Make a plan

Write down your self-care goals and take steps towards achieving them.

50% of 1,001 U.S. adult caregivers from 2023 reported moderate to high stress in a GSK survey conducted by The National Alliance for Caregiving

Recognizing Caregiver Burnout

While being a caregiver can be rewarding, it’s normal for a caregiver to feel overwhelmed at times. Many caregivers experience stress related to their role. Caregiver burnout—a state of exhaustion that can be physical, emotional, and mental, and happens when a person is taking care of someone else—can be easy to miss.

Signs of caregiver burnout may include:

 

  • Changes in sleep
  • Feeling worried or overwhelmed constantly
  • Changes in eating habits
  • Losing interest in activities that used to bring joy
  • Feeling sad or depressed
  • Delaying personal health needs

 

If you believe you or someone you love may have caregiver fatigue, encourage them to reach out to a professional for help.

For more information on being a caregiver:

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