Tips for Caring for a Loved One Long Term

It’s simple: If you don’t take care of yourself, you can’t care for your loved one. So it’s crucial that you maintain optimal health.

Enhance your endurance and mood.

• Learn everything you can about stroke. Knowledge is empowering.
• Set boundaries; say no when it’s appropriate.
• Don’t dwell on what you can’t change.
• Limit caffeine.
• Get adequate rest.
• Maintain a healthy diet.
• Find a support system.
• Share your feelings with someone who wants to listen.
• Focus on things you’re grateful for each day.
• Invest in your spiritual life.

Overcome stress and depression.

Physical and psychological stress is an inevitable part of caregiving. How you manage it impacts your well-being. To combat stress:

• Set your priorities.
• Maintain a routine.
• Don’t try to do it all.

Depression is also common during the caregiving journey, especially if you feel hopeless and helpless.

• Allow yourself to grieve the losses related to stroke.
• Accept — and get help for — the new responsibilities thrust upon you.
• Remember, you’re angry with the situation, not your loved one.

In short, first take care of you… before you take care of your loved one.