Caregivers have one of the most tiresome jobs in the world. Not only are they physically exhausted but also emotionally drained. Their health is vastly compromised, and they are often at risk of developing depression and chronic illness.
A majority of the caregivers also suffer from caregiver stress and caregiver burnout, which adversely affect their ability to take care of the patient. Therefore, to take good care of the stroke patient, caregivers also need to stay healthy and take care of their own well being.
Seek Help and Support From Others:
Seek help from friends and family. If any family member is ready to take the patient for a walk once or twice a week, accept their help and reduce your workload. Apart from caregiving help, you may also seek emotional support from your friends and family. Go on a walk with them, communicate your stress and problems with them or participate in any recreational activity with them. It will help you feel better from the caregiver stress.
Do Not Feel Guilty:
You are doing the best you can. No one is perfect. It takes time and patience to provide care to a stroke patient. Hence, do not feel guilty if you cannot achieve any goal. Instead, stay confident about your decisions and keep moving forward.
Establish Realistic Goals:
Do not set highly ambitious goals. Instead, set realistic goals, break them down into smaller steps, prioritise them and then make a daily schedule that helps you achieve these goals. Also, understand your limits and start saying ‘no’ to requests that are physically and emotionally draining.
Use Caregiving Services:
There are many caregiving services offered within the community, such as transportation, housekeeping, food delivery, etc. Utilise these services and reduce your workload. Many communities also offer respite care services that allow you to take a break from your caregiving job and share your responsibilities.
Join a Support Group:
Support groups are not only available for stroke patients but also their caregivers. These support groups help you find encouragement and validation when things become difficult. Within a support group, you are also more likely to find answers to your problems related to caregiving.
Consult a Doctor:
If you feel any symptoms of a physical or emotional problem, seek a doctor immediately. Even if you are not suffering from any symptoms, inform your doctor that you are a caregiver and visit them at regular intervals. Early screening can help you avoid caregiver burnout.
Take Out Time for Yourself:
As a caregiver, your primary concern becomes your patient. However, to provide better care to the patient, it is important for you to stay happy and emotionally healthy. Therefore, take time out for yourself. Go out on a walk with a friend or indulge in any hobby every day.
Exercise and Meditate Regularly:
Exercising is important to not only stay physically healthy but also mentally active. Meditation is another highly efficient means to reduce stress and feel better. Therefore, exercise and meditate regularly.
Take Care of Your Diet and Sleep:
Setting personal health goals is essential for caregivers. If you will not stay healthy, you cannot take care of the patient efficiently. Therefore, eat a healthy diet and get sufficient sleep.
If you are a caregiver, you must remember that you are responsible for not only the patient's health but also your own well-being. Only when you are strong, you can take good care of the stroke patient. Therefore, set personal health goals, join a support group or seek help from a friend to take care of your physical and emotional health.
