Many of us, caretakers as well as health professionals, are so concerned about helping the “patient” that we often overlook the very real, very important, needs of the one taking care of the patient.Caretakers may put on an outward attitude of devotion and having it all under control. But inwardly, the one who is not ill may be extremely stressed and unhappy, living with a sense of “Stop the world, I want to get off.”

Here are 10 simple steps to for a caretaker to follow to provide nurturing for yourself and the other person:

1. Gain clarity about the exact diagnosis, prognosis and outside assistance required
2. Locate the appropriate external resources available to the patient.
3. Express often your love, concern and empathy for the patient.
4. Recognize and affirm the internal resources inherent within the patient.
5. Know yourself and what assistance you can and cannot give, provide, and promise
6. Acknowledge and clearly state your own needs, limitations and boundaries
7. Arm yourself with outside support just for YOU, for YOUR emotional and physical health
8. Learn and practice self-help, stress management techniques to keep yourself balanced
9. Indulge in activities that nurture your spirit and allow you to be carefree and have fun
10. Develop an accepting and higher consciousness mindset

Knowing that life is precious and fragile, that illness and pain are a natural part of life, and that everything is temporary, can help to ease your own and your patient’s suffering. If you follow these 10 steps, you can rest assured that you have done everything possible for everyone concerned.

CONTACT DR. ERICA

954-649-5228