As a stroke caregiver, you play a central role in the recovery and rehabilitation of the stroke survivor. While this can give you a sense of purpose and fulfilment, it can also be incredibly demanding, leaving you completely overwhelmed. This is why caregivers are more vulnerable to exhaustion, depression, and burnout. This obviously makes it harder, if not impossible, to provide the best possible care for a patient. Caring for yourself should therefore be given just as much importance as caring for your patient. Here are some simple suggestions on self-care for stroke caregivers.
Make Time For Yourself
Always ensure that your daily schedule includes personal time, not just for target-oriented activities, such as for meals or exercise, but also to simply relax and engage in activities or hobbies that you enjoy.
Get Organised
Getting organised with a structured daily routine will make it easier to not just care for your patient, but to also care for yourself. This means meal prepping in advance and making task lists. Just be realistic and set adequate time for all activities.
Work On Time Management
Time management isn’t just meant for professionals at the workplace, but is immensely helpful when caring for stroke patients. It helps you to stay focused and prevents wastage of time as you are more conscious of time and can try to manage scheduled activities within pre-set time limits.
Welcome Assistance
Caregiving is a tough and lonely job if you are in it alone. It doesn’t have to be this way. Talk to and seek assistance from family and friends or from healthcare resource centres that are in your area.
Diet & Exercise Plan
Healthy eating and exercise are vital to your health and wellbeing, lowering the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and other lifestyle conditions. Simple activities like walking or cycling can suffice as exercise, while healthy eating simply requires a greater focus on whole foods, while limiting or avoiding processed foods.
Remember To Relax
Stroke caregivers are vulnerable to stress, depression, and anxiety disorders, making relaxation particularly important. In addition to taking breaks, vacations, and engaging in activities you enjoy, also take up stress reduction activities such as meditation, deep breathing, and progressive muscle relaxation.
Socialize
Human beings are social animals and without adequate and wide enough social contact we start to suffer from isolation and depression. This risk is extremely high for stroke caregivers, so make it a point to stay connected with loved ones, not just via digital screens, but also with in-person meetings and phone calls.
Beware Of Depression
Studies show that depression and anxiety don’t just affect stroke survivors, but can also take a toll on stroke caregivers. Be watchful for signs of depression or burnout and seek help from a behavioural therapist or psychologist immediately, as such problems can be harder to overcome when treatment is delayed.
To make it easier to ensure that you are in the best possible health and able to care for your loved one who has suffered a stroke, discuss caregiving strategies with a stroke rehabilitation team. They will be able to advise you and guide you to provide the best care, whilst taking adequate care of yourself.
