The non-professional caregiver is usually a family member of the person who is in a hospital or at home, and whose condition will not improve. The caregiver knows that the loved one will die at some point. But while death does not occur, it is essential that he takes care of himself and improves his health to avoid physical and emotional deterioration.
To stay healthy, the caregiver must first of all be aware of the hard work of caring for a patient, and then draw up an action plan that includes all the responsibilities.
Then, it is essential to monitor personal diet. The fact of having to leave the hospital on a daily basis consumes the energies of the person and puts her in contact with scenarios that could affect her immune system. To avoid this, it is important to eat well, varied, healthy and calmly. In addition, the caregiver should drink enough liquid and occasionally go for something delicious, maybe his favorite dessert, and eat it alone and quietly.
Another way of taking care of oneself is to practice some physical activity. The person can achieve it by going to the gym or taking pleasing walks. This will help her to clear her mind of the worries that arise from caring for a loved one, especially when she is aware that the relative will soon leave this world.
Asking for help or support when the caregiver deems it necessary is another way to look for his own wellbeing. It is not about appearing weak but simply about taking care of his health, preventing any kind of deteriorating due to excesses committed during the care of the patient he’s responsible for.
A very important element for the health of the non-professional caregiver is the fact of not giving up to personal plans and illusions. Despite the circumstances, he can keep his plans to study, to marry or to enjoy his retirement once it is time to dismiss the loved one he takes care for with love, respect and dedication.