Caregiver Stress

The physical and emotional challenges of caregiving can become overwhelming. To help alleviate some of the stress, please treat yourself well.

Ask for help. Family, friends and neighbors want to assist and need for you tell them what you need for them to do. They can go grocery shopping, to the pharmacy, help with yard maintenance, care for your pets, run errands, etc. They will be happy you asked.

Rest. Lie down and close your eyes for fifteen to twenty minutes. It will help you feel refreshed.

Eat and drink. Drink lots of water and make sure to eat well balanced meals regularly.

Talk about your concerns. Sharing your feelings with a friend, spiritual counselor or someone from your hospice team can enable problems to be solved, questions to be answered and emotional and spiritual support to be provided.

Breathe deeply. Deep breathing delivers oxygen to your cells and helps both body and mind function better.

Set aside time to escape. Talk a walk, sit in the garden, listen to music, read a book.