Caring for Yourself While Caring for Someone Else
Caring for a spouse, parent or friend can be meaningful work. It can also be tiring, and it’s easy to put your own needs last. Looking after yourself helps you keep going.
Signs of Caregiver Stress
Mayo Clinic lists common signs of caregiver stress, including:
- Feeling worried or overwhelmed most of the time
- Feeling tired often
- Sleeping too much or too little
- Gaining or losing weight
- Getting irritated or angry easily
- Losing interest in things you used to enjoy
- Frequent headaches or other aches
- Skipping your own medical appointments
If several of these sound familiar, it’s a good time to talk with your doctor and ask for support.
Small Habits That Help
Mayo Clinic suggests caregivers:
- Aim for good sleep, and mention ongoing sleep problems to a health professional.
- Stay active most days and drink plenty of water.
- Keep up with your own checkups, screenings and vaccines.
- Tell your doctor you’re a caregiver.
- Set realistic goals, break big jobs into steps and keep a routine.
- Make regular time for friends and family.
Asking for and Accepting Help
- Write a list of tasks others could do, such as errands, meals or rides.
- When someone offers to help, show them the list and let them pick.
- Look into local services like meal delivery, transportation or house cleaning.
- Consider a caregiver support group, in person or online.
Respite Care Basics
Respite care gives caregivers a short break, from a few hours to several weeks. The National Institute on Aging says it can happen at home, at an adult day center or in a care facility.
Friends and volunteers may help for free. Professional services usually charge by the hour, day or week. Most private health insurance doesn’t cover respite care, though Medicaid may help and some long-term care insurance does. Rules vary by state, so check with your local agency.
Where to Find Support
- Eldercare Locator: call 1-800-677-1116 or visit eldercare.acl.gov to find local services, including your Area Agency on Aging.
- National Institute on Aging: its caregiving pages explain respite care and point to the ARCH National Respite Locator.
- Family Caregiver Alliance: caregiver.org offers caregiver resources, support groups and a state-by-state services directory.
This article is general information, not medical advice. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about your own health.
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