Tips for Caregivers

Timothy Maly, MD,  is a family physician at Berthoud Family Physicians in Berthoud, Colo.

Question: Do you have any tips for caregivers?

Answer: Caregivers come in all shapes and sizes and face a range of responsibilities. You might find yourself caring for someone with a long-term condition such as dementia or a sudden change because of an accident or health event.

When you take on that caregiver role, there are a few things to remember so you can be prepared, maintain your own health and provide the best support possible for your loved one.

Each situation is unique. Some people find satisfaction in providing care for a loved one; they consider it a blessing. Others might not have had a great relationship and now experience frustration or resentment with the new responsibilities.

Caregivers must remember to care for themselves. Here’s an exercise I learned from a colleague: Take a piece of paper and fold it in half. Write down all the things you do for yourself on one side. Now, flip the paper over and write down the last time you actually did those things for yourself. This should give you an idea of what you need to do to care for yourself.

Exercise, eat healthy, find mental and spiritual relief and relax. You can’t take good care of someone else if you are depleted physically and mentally.

Finally, it’s important to recognize when your care giving duties have become too much physically, emotionally or financially. Some people feel that they have to continue to the bitter end and feel guilty when they can’t. Support groups can be helpful for caregivers to share their feelings with others who are in similar situations.