Caregiving typically involves a range of duties from providing health care services, such as changing bandages and giving medications, to helping with personal needs like bathing, dressing and meal preparation. Administrative tasks like scheduling medical appointments, filing insurance claims and paying household bills may also be necessary.<\/p>\n
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported 1 in 5 U.S. adults<\/a> provides some form of regular care or assistance to a family member or friend with a health problem or disability; 58% are women and nearly one-third provide care for at least 20 hours per week.<\/p>\n \u201cThe typical caregiver likely has an ever-growing and changing to-do list and most of them probably do not add \u2018take care of myself\u2019 to that list,\u201d said American Heart Association volunteer Lisa Kitko, Ph.D., R.N., FAHA, dean of the University of Rochester School of Nursing and vice president of the University of Rochester Medical Center. \u201cWhile caregiving can be a very rewarding experience, it can also take a huge physical and mental toll on even the strongest person.\u201d<\/p>\n Prioritizing your own physical, mental and emotional health allows you to better help your loved one, Kitko said. Consider her tips for caregivers to care for themselves:<\/p>\n \u201c\u2018Take care of yourself so you can take care of others,\u2019 are definitely words to live by for caregivers \u2013 everyone tells you that and it certainly makes sense, but it\u2019s hard,\u201d Kitko said. \u201cThere is a lot of stress associated with knowing someone is depending on you \u2026 That is why taking care of yourself really should be the first item on your caregiver checklist.\u201d<\/p>\n\n
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