Caring for the Caregiver: Looking After Yourself When a Family Member Is Unwell

Looking after someone you love is one of the hardest jobs there is.

Life changes when someone in your family falls ill. All of a sudden you are scheduling doctors appointments, medication times, meals and running through endless lists of worries that don’t ever seem to turn off. It wears you down. And here is where most people fail to realize…

You matter too.

Caregivers give everything they have to the person in their care. However, pouring from an empty cup benefits no one. The great news is that with a few simple adjustments you can stay healthy and strong so you can continue to be there for those who need you.

However, let’s be real for a minute. Some days are overwhelming. The stress feels like too much to bear. The bills pile up, you lose sleep, and worry about your loved one’s care consumes you. That stress is real, and it deserves to be addressed just as much as their illness does.

And sometimes that worry goes beyond being exhausted. If your loved one went home dismissed, swept aside, or given incorrect information and they continued to deteriorate, you could be facing the consequences of a medical error. 

When that happens, speaking with knowledgeable misdiagnosis lawyers can provide you with answers and relieve an enormous burden. A skilled medical misdiagnosis attorney will take care of the legal process so you can concentrate on what’s most important… you and your family.

Let’s walk through how to do exactly that.

Here’s what’s ahead:

• Why Caregiver Burnout Is So Common
• Simple Ways To Look After Yourself
• When To Reach Out For Help
• Building Support That Actually Lasts

Why Caregiver Burnout Is So Common

You’re not crazy. Caregiving is a monumental task. And millions of others are in this with you.

Actually, according to AARP, 63 million Americans — that’s 1 in 4 adults — now provide care to a sick or aging loved one. The duty has grown significantly in the past decade. Over half provide medical care they have no formal training for, such as injections or medical equipment.

So if you feel overwhelmed… you’re in very good company.

Burnout happens gradually. One day you’re managing just fine. The next you’re yelling at your co-workers, losing sleep, and forgetting where you left your keys. Here are some red flags to look out for:

• Feeling tired all the time, even after rest
• Getting sick more often than usual
• Pulling away from friends and hobbies
• Feeling angry, sad, or hopeless

Identifying them early is half the win. Once you identify them you can begin to work on them before they become problematic. The longer they fester the more difficult they become to rid yourself of.

Simple Ways To Look After Yourself

Here’s a little secret: You can’t pour from an empty cup. Self-care isn’t selfish – it’s necessary for the system to function.

Protect Your Basic Health

It seems like common sense, but the fundamentals are the first things to go when life gets hectic. Remember to:

• Eat regular, simple meals
• Drink plenty of water
• Move your body a little each day
• Protect your sleep wherever you can

None of this needs to be perfect. Even a little bit of walking and a good night’s sleep can work wonders.

Take Real Breaks

You wouldn’t expect your car to go days without stopping for gas. Your mind and body are no different.

Half an hour to read, nap or sit quietly with a cup of tea allows you to switch off. If possible research respite care – someone else to be your carer for a few hours or days to allow you to sleep. It’s not running away. It’s taking care of number one.

Ask For Help (And Accept It)

Most people want to help but don’t know how. So tell them.

Assign small tasks to others. Have a neighbor run to the store. Have a sibling handle the phone and paperwork. Divide and conquer. The more you delegate, the longer you will survive.

When To Reach Out For Help

Self-care doesn’t always solve everything and that is okay. Asking for backup shows strength.

If you’ve experienced depression for weeks at a time, speak with your personal physician. There is no shame in taking care of your health when you’re taking care of someone else’s.

And there’s another kind of help worth knowing about…

If You Suspect A Misdiagnosis

Medicine errors don’t just cause injuries, sometimes they CAUSED the injury. Too often than not.

Failure to diagnose is one of the most common reasons that families decide to pursue legal action, according to research on malpractice claims. An incorrect diagnosis or delayed diagnosis can turn a manageable issue into a life altering one.

That’s where a medical misdiagnosis lawyer steps in. They read the records, tell you what happened and seek justice and the financial compensation your family is entitled to. You can use that money to get treatment, cover lost wages, pay for additional care.

Why should you as a caregiver care? Figuring this stuff out yourself is draining. Allow someone else to fight the legal battle so you have more time and energy for what only you can do.

Building Support That Actually Lasts

Caregiving is a marathon not a sprint. You have to have good people around you to make it there.

Begin with those who are already in your support network — family, good friends, maybe even a compassionate neighbour. Next, cast a wider net. Support groups, in-person and online, can link you with people who really understand. There is healing power in speaking with someone who has walked in your shoes.

Don’t forget professional help. There are counsellors, social workers and charities who want to make things easier for you. Many provide free advice, practical support and someone to listen at the times you need them.

Simple objective: create a safety net before you fall.

Putting It All Together

Helping care for a sick relative is among the kindest thing you can do for someone. However, just because you love them doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take care of yourself as well.

To keep it simple, remember to:

• Watch for the early signs of burnout
• Cover the basics: food, water, movement, and rest
• Take real breaks and ask others to pitch in
• Reach out for medical or legal help when you need it
• Build a support circle that lasts

Let an experienced medical misdiagnosis attorney fight your legal battle for you, while you go back to doing what you do best. . . caring for others. When you feel like you have no more energy to give, that’s your cue to take a deep breath and take care of yourself. . . after all, everyone depends on you.

Take good care of yourself today. The people you love need you to.