Since the stress of long-term caregiving can lead to many health risks, one might ask: Why don’t caregivers take better care of themselves? Caregivers give many reasons why they choose to focus only on their caregiving.

Some reasons caregivers offer:

  • The higher priority is my [parent's, spouse's] health condition.
  • It’s self-indulgent to spend time on myself when my loved one is suffering.
  • I don’t have time.
  • I can’t leave [parent, spouse] alone and nobody can take over for me during the day.
  • Why should I go to the doctor? She’ll only tell me to do things I can’t do, and to stop doing things I have to.

Depression in caregivers may also be a contributing factor. Caregivers are more likely to be despressed than non-caregivers. The depression can make it difficult to take positive steps toward self-help, eating right, and exercise. This can lead to a vicious cycle: because they are depressed, caregivers can’t act; because they cannot act, their depression deepens.

More awareness of and response to the health impacts of caregiving need to be addressed by physicians of caregivers and the caregivers themselves. We also need a greater appreciation of the mind-body interaction in caregiving, and greater weight given to the seriousness of caregiver depression.  

If you find yourself in the role of a caregiver saying something similar to one or more of the above statements, don’t wait any longer to care for your health. Think of yourself as a pitcher pouring your health, love, and energy into your loved one. What will happen when the pitcher runs dry? Your care of your loved one is only as good as your ability to care.

Look into caregiver respite offered by Better Living Home Care. We can help you juggle the needs of your loved one and the health care you deserve. So you can begin to focus on your health, contact us today for a free in-home consultation.Â