Caregiving can be extremely rewarding, but also challenging. The cliché
is that you must take care of yourself to care for others. However,
realistically a caregiver plays various other roles besides being a full
time caregiver, and these roles limit the amount of time one has for
adequate self-care. Finding a balance is necessary and there are
organizations out there to support caregivers. Please see those featured
below.
- The Family Caregiver Alliance provides fantastic
support for caregivers. Check out their website to search through their
Family Care Navigator for local resources and support in your community.
For tips on ways that caregivers can care for themselves, take a look
at the National Cancer Institute's Caring for the Caregiver.
- The AARP Foundation's Prepare to Care provides A Planning Guide for
Families where caregivers and patients can keep track of appointments,
questions for their doctor, finances, and helpful resources found along
the way. The information is geared more towards adult children caring
for aging parents, but many of the checklists and action items can be
adapted.
- For spousal caregivers, try Young Cancer Spouses or
Well Spouse Association to find more information and support on how to
best care for your partner.
- To connect or speak with other caregivers over the phone or online, read more about our Caregiver Support Network.
Do you have any self-care tips for caregivers that have been helpful for you or your loved one? Please share them here.
Lauren Rettberg, MPH
Health Information Specialist, Patient Services
Image: www.johnmuirhealth.com
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