If you find yourself caring for a loved one, you aren’t alone. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1 in 5 adults in the United States are caregivers—and that number is steadily increasing.
One in 5 adults adds up to nearly 65 million people caring for a family member or friend, whether they’re providing support for an aging adult or parenting a child with medical needs.
When you’re serving as a family caregiver, you face unique challenges, and it’s normal to have many questions. Supporting your loved one and yourself matters. Here are some helpful tips to guide you through your caregiving journey.
Advocating for Your Loved One
In your role as a caregiver, you can offer essential support in understanding and accessing health care for your loved one. That can be as simple as scheduling and taking your loved one to medical appointments, or as complex as helping your family member understand a diagnosis.
While all of those responsibilities can quickly pile up and feel overwhelming, know that help is available. At University Health, we offer a full spectrum of services designed to provide our patients and caregivers with the support they need.
If you aren’t sure where to begin, talk with your loved one’s medical providers. These providers can tap into a network of resources and point you toward the support you need. Depending on the medical condition your loved one is facing and your family’s situation, this might include accessing financial assistance, tapping into support groups, finding resources within the community or getting help with advance care planning.
Caring for the Caregiver
If you’ve ever been on an airplane and listened to the safety instructions, you know to “put your oxygen mask on before helping others with their masks.” There’s good reason for that: If you don’t set up your own oxygen supply, you aren’t going to be able to help others with theirs.
That same philosophy applies to caregivers. If you don’t take good care of yourself, you aren’t going to be in any shape to care for your loved one. Your well-being matters; use this checklist as your guide: your checklist.
Keep Your Health Front and Center
Did you know that caregivers are actually at a higher risk of developing chronic health issues, including heart disease and depression? When juggling your loved one's medical appointments, it's easy to postpone your own. However, prioritizing your health is key to sustaining your caregiving role.
Make sure you stay up to date with routine checkups, recommended vaccinations and age-appropriate screenings for cancer and other health conditions. Your health matters.
Ask for Help (or Accept It)
As a primary caregiver, you don't have to do it all. Accept offers of help and be specific about what you need. There's no reward for solo caregiving, so let others assist with tasks, like driving or meals.
Don't wait for offers. Many people want to help but don't know how. Tell your family, friends and social groups what you need.
Carve Out Time for Yourself
It probably feels like there aren’t enough hours in your day, but it’s important to find a little bit of time every day to focus on yourself. Schedule in some solo time to meditate, take a walk, hop in a warm bath or read a good book.
Give Yourself Space to Feel All the Feelings
There’s no one-size-fits-all emotional response to caring for a loved one. Experiencing varied emotions, even sudden shifts between joy and sadness, is common.
Positivity helps your loved one, but suppressing your own emotions hurts you. Feel and share your feelings with friends, counselors, clergy or in a journal.
Practice Healthy Habits
Healthy lifestyle habits can help you maintain good overall health and lower your risk of physical and mental health issues. You probably know the basics—move your body regularly, eat a variety of healthy foods, avoid smoking, limit alcohol consumption and prioritize getting enough sleep.
To manage caregiving stress, prioritize regular exercise, a diet rich in fruits and vegetables and sufficient sleep (at least 7 hours).
Find a Provider You Can Trust
Maintaining your own health is crucial while caregiving; your primary care provider can assist. Use our “Find a Doctor” tool if you don’t have one.
