Submitted by T. Simms, RN, CHPN, Director of Education & Quality, Lighthouse Hospice Inc., Cherry Hill, N.J., July, 2008

According to recent national studies, 70% of all “caregivers” in the United States are women. These individuals care for aging parents, spouses, children and others who depend on them for assistance and help with routine activities of daily living.

While caring for others, it is important to remember a few basic concepts. Most importantly, caregivers must remember that to take care of others effectively, they need to take care of themselves as well. Some basic principles to remember in order to take care of oneself are as follows:

• As a “caregiver”, you have the right and the responsibility to take care of yourself. Make time for yourself and make sure your daily schedule allows you some free moments just for you.

• It’s extremely important to remember, taking care of yourself is NOT an act of selfishness.

• Taking care of yourself helps you to better care for those who need your help and your own family.

• As a “caregiver”, you have the right to seek help from others when you recognize the limits of your own endurance and strength. It is not a sign of weakness or, inability to ask others for help.

• As a “caregiver”, you have the right to maintain facets of your own life apart from the person(s) for whom you care. Maintaining yourself as an individual apart from your care-giving responsibility is a healthy thing to do.

• As a “caregiver, you have the right to feel emotions and to express feelings appropriately to others about your feelings. It is important to talk to someone you trust about your feelings. Care-giving often stirs emotions that need an appropriate outlet.

• In the context of caregiving, it is especially important to recognize feelings and emotions and how they can affect you. 

In summary, how can you help yourself? Remember these simple steps:

• Acknowledge your feelings

• Recognize stress

• Seek information

• Join a caregiver support group

• Set realistic goals – for yourself and those for whom you care

• Communicate

• Use help when you need it

• Use “community” resources such as caregiver support groups

• Take care of your own health

• Laugh well and often

• Commit to relaxation – everyday.