The most important thing to remember is that YOU ARE VERY IMPORTANT to your loved one. Keeping yourself emotionally and physically healthy allows you to better care for them. So, set aside time to do things that you want to do WITHOUT GUILT. Chat with your friends on the phone, read a book, go out to lunch or go for a jog. There are probably others who could sit with your loved one if needed. This is especially important when you feel that patience slipping. Taking care of yourself lets you come back refreshed and kinder. For longer periods of time, nursing facilities provide respite care that is covered by insurance.

Here are six tips to self-care for caregivers:

1. ASK FOR HELP! Asking for and accepting help does not mean that you love them any less or that you are not good enough. It means that you are smart.
2. EAT! It’s ok to eat a steak when your loved one is drinking Boost. Feel free to eat at a different time if you think they will be sad watching you eat. Freezer meals, ready to eat meals and delivery are all easy options. Cooking what you want can be therapeutic. Comfort food can be just that.
3. SLEEP! It’s ok to sleep when they are sleeping. Even at two in the afternoon.
4. LET IT GO! Washing the kitchen floor instead of sleeping can cause more problems than it solves.
5. EXPRESS YOUR FEELINGS! It can be normal to feel anger, depression, inadequacy or guilt. Processing those emotions with a friend, social worker, church leader or journal can be very helpful.
6. Remember-You are doing a great thing!

To all of the caregivers, we honor you. Caregivers are a key piece to the healing and treatment process. We can’t do our job without your help!