6 Self-Care Tips for Caregivers

• November 13, 2017
• Amber Specialty Pharmacy
• Health Tips

November is Family Caregivers Month. Caregivers often put their needs behind the needs of the loved one they care for. It’s no surprise that this extreme dedication to another’s well-being can have some negative effects on your own health if you don’t take time for self-care.

To be your best self for the person you’re caring for, I have six self-care tips for caregivers.

Make sure you get enough sleep. Caring for a loved one can be very tiring and the stress of caregiving can make sleep difficult. Adequate sleep can help with physical fatigue. It can also help with mental sharpness and may make you feel less irritable.If possible, try going to bed and waking up at the same time each day. If you have trouble falling asleep, try meditation exercises or over-the-counter supplements such as melatonin (if it’s okay with your doctor or pharmacist). Exercising more often will also help you fall asleep at night. You may not have much time to dedicate to exercise but taking a few 10-minute breaks to walk or move can help. You should also make sure your bedroom is a good environment for sleep. That means having your bedroom cool, dark and quiet.

Watch your blood pressure. According to a study by the American Psychological Association, caregivers’ high level of stress can lead to high blood pressure. Check your blood pressure regularly to make sure it’s not too high. If you need to lower your blood pressure, try some of these lifestyle changes that may lower blood pressure. You should also talk to your doctor about controlling your blood pressure.

Take a break. Whether it’s spending 30 minutes on a hobby you enjoy, going for a walk or reading a book, take time for yourself. If your loved one can’t be alone, ask a friend or family member to sit with him or her while you take a break.

Let people help you. The weight of caring for a loved one can be difficult to carry alone. Let the people in your life do what they can to help you. Whether it’s running an errand for you or giving you a few minutes to yourself, allowing others to help is essential to your health and well-being.

Talk to other caregivers. Even though you’re not the patient, it’s important for you to have resources and support. Try joining a support group either in person or online. There’s comfort in talking to others who experience the same ups and downs. Other caregivers can also offer tips that may help you and your loved one.

Leverage resources. There are many resources available online to help with caregiver life balance. I encourage you to leverage the resources provided by the organizations listed below. These organizations offer useful information that may help you manage the responsibilities of caregiving.

• AARP: Family Caregiving
• National Alliance for Caregiving
• Family Caregiver Alliance
• Leeza’s Care Connection

If you have a caregiver in your life, make sure he or she takes the time for self-care. If you see a caregiver who needs help, take action. Whether it be running an errand or doing yard work, helping with small tasks can be a huge help. If you are a caregiver, I hope you will take some time for yourself this Family Caregivers Month, you’ve earned it! After all, being your best self for the person you’re caring for will benefit both you and your loved one.

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At Amber Specialty Pharmacy, we know that behind every patient is a spouse, parent, sibling or friend that is doing everything they can to make the patient’s life easier. Caregivers are often the most important person in a patient’s life. However, caregivers are often overlooked because they are not patients themselves. During the 2016 Asembia Specialty Pharmacy Summit, Amber Specialty Pharmacy President Mike Agostino led a special panel presentation that placed the spotlight on the important role of caregivers. During the presentation, he awarded the first Caregiver of the Year Award to Deb Hendriks. Deb’s love and dedication to her daughter, Tawny, earned her this award, which is now aptly named the Asembia Hendriks Caregiver Award.

 

Meet the Author

Kris Admire, CCM, is a board Certified Case Manager. She works directly with Amber Pharmacy patients and caregivers to assist with their psychosocial needs and provides educational resources and supportive care services. Kris brings a rich and diverse background of healthcare experiences to her role and over 20 years of professional service. She is passionate about her work in direct patient care and is active in a variety of professional groups and organizations including the Case Management Society of America (CMSA), the Oncology Nursing Society (ONS) and the American Medical Writers Association (AMWA). Kris received her Bachelor’s degree in Allied Health Services from the University of Northern Iowa and attended the University of Missouri Columbia for graduate studies. When she’s not spending time with her two dogs, family or friends, Kris enjoys writing and walking. She also plays the violin and is an avid reader.