November is National Family Caregivers Month, and the theme is “Take Care to Give Care”. It’s important to take care of yourself and your health so that you are in top shape to take care of your patients.
- Caregiving can be a stressful job. With all of their caregiving responsibilities – from managing medications to arranging doctor appointments to planning meals – caregivers too often put themselves last.
- The stress of caregiving impacts your own health. One out of five caregivers admit they have sacrificed their own physical health while caring for a loved one.
- Proper nutrition helps promote good health. Maintaining a healthy diet is one of the most powerful things you can do to take care of yourself and keep a positive attitude overall.
- Ensuring good nutrition for your loved one helps make care easier. As many as half of all older adults are at risk for malnutrition.
- Remember: “Rest. Recharge. Respite.” The chance to take a breather, the opportunity to re-energize, is vital in order for you to be as good a caregiver tomorrow as you were today.
source: http://caregiveraction.org/national-family-caregivers-month