Taking care of your loved one at home can be very rewarding. It can also physically and emotionally drain you and your family members. You may feel that you have no time for yourself and that your responsibilities are overwhelming. Emotionally, you may be trying to
deal with the impending loss of a loved one, trying to be involved with your family, and you may have no one to talk to about your own feelings. Physically, you are caring for the needs of the patient, your home and your family. But, while you are doing all these things, you may be neglecting a very valuable person . . . yourself.

If you do not take care of yourself, you will not be able to care for your loved one.

Some of the things you can do to meet your own needs are:

Get enough rest. You will find your outlook and ability to deal with things are greatly improved. Try to get at least six hours of sleep a night, and take naps during the day while the patient is sleeping. If you are "all wound up" try doing some deep breathing exercises,
listening to music you find relaxing or taking a warm bath or shower. If you are having trouble falling asleep, try some warm milk, or read for a while.

• Eat well. If your meals are well balanced and you don't skip
  meals, your resistance to disease will be better and you will have
  more energy. Don't try to diet during this time. Try to watch
  your caffeine intake also.
  
  
• Delegate. Don't try to do it all yourself. Ask family members to
  share in the care of the patient. Ask family, friends or neighbors
  to take over for you so you can go out for a few hours. Ask your
  church or synagogue if there are members willing to help with
  things like meals, shopping clearing or respite.
  
  
• Request a Hospice Volunteer
  
  
• Talk to Someone. Find a person you can confide in, or talk to your
  Hospice social worker, nurse, clergyman, Hospice pastoral care or
  volunteer. You will be surprised by the good response.
  
  
• Take time for yourself. Schedule time off for yourself to do
  things you have always enjoyed doing. If you have had to take a
  leave from your job, arrange to have lunch with a coworker. You
  can ask them over if you cannot leave the house and they can bring
  something. Remember that taking time for yourself is not selfish,
  and don't be afraid to laugh. You will find that laughing has
  healing powers. Make a list of the patient's friends and invite
  them for "tea" or lunch.