by Jill Ruff

This post is one of two parts on how to care for yourself as a caregiver or care manager. These tips are adapted from the Medicare Alzheimer’s Project in Broward and Dade Counties in Florida.

As a caregiver, the vast majority of your attention is usually about caring for your loved one. However, it is important that you take the time to take care of yourself. The demands of caregiving can be mentally and physically exhausting, and your aging loved one or patient needs you to stay healthy. Below are a few quick tips to help you take care of yourself:

• Laugh about something everyday. It is important to find some sort of joy, even during a trying time.
• Take care of yourself physically. Brush your hair, stretch, shower – do anything that will make your body feel better.
• Eat a well-balanced diet. We have some healthy recipes here if you are looking for inspiration.
• Talk with someone every day.  Family member, friend, neighbor, anyone.
• Let family and friends help. Give them printed materials explaining what is happening to your loved one so they can better understand. Give them a chance.
• Give yourself permission to have a good cry. Tears aren’t a weakness, they reduce tension.
• Exercise. Any kind of exercise counts. Try a brisk walk.
• Get adequate rest.
• Try a bowl of cereal and milk before bed to promote sleep.
• Avoid noisy and/or tension-filled movies at night. The late news itself can add to stress. Skip it.

We’ll post a few more tips for taking care of yourself in part two. Feel free to let us know if there are any tactics you’ve found particularly helpful in caring for yourself.

Jill Ruff is a wife, mother, daughter, sister and caregiver; working full-time as a marketing director and living in San Diego, CA.