Caring for the Caregiver

Reviewed by Ylmard Grimaldi, LVN
Last reviewed: October 26, 2026

Caring for someone you love is a gift. It is also hard work. Many caregivers forget to care for themselves. If you get sick or worn out, it is harder to help. This guide shares simple ways to take care of you, too.

The short answer

• Rest, eat, and drink water every day.
• Ask for help. Say yes when people offer.
• Keep your own doctor visits.
• Know the signs of too much stress.
• Find local help, like the Eldercare Locator: 1-800-677-1116.
• If you feel you might hurt yourself, call or text 988 now.

Words to know

• Caregiver: A family member or friend who helps someone who is sick, older, or disabled.
• Respite care: Short-term care for your loved one so you can take a break.
• Burnout: Being so tired and stressed that you cannot keep going the same way.

Signs you may need a break

• You feel tired all the time, even after sleep.
• You feel sad, angry, or worried most days.
• You cry easily or snap at people.
• You stop seeing friends or doing things you enjoy.
• You have headaches, body aches, or get sick often.
• You eat or sleep much more or much less.
• You use alcohol or pills to cope.

These are common. They mean you need more support. They do not mean you are failing.

Take care of your body

• Try to sleep 7 hours or more. Nap when your loved one naps.
• Eat regular meals. Keep easy, healthy snacks around.
• Drink water.
• Move a little each day. A short walk helps.
• Use safe ways to lift and move your loved one. Ask a nurse or therapist to show you.

Take care of your mind

• Take short breaks. Even 10 minutes helps.
• Do one small thing you enjoy each day.
• Talk with a friend, faith leader, or support group.
• Let go of things that do not need to be perfect.
• Be kind to yourself. You are doing your best.

Ask for help

People often want to help but do not know how. Make a list of tasks. When someone offers, pick one.

• "Can you pick up groceries on Tuesday?"
• "Can you sit with Mom for two hours on Saturday?"
• "Can you drive Dad to his doctor visit?"
• "Can you call once a week to check on me?"

Share the load with family. Set up a simple schedule.

Keep your own health visits

• Do not skip your own doctor visits or checkups.
• Tell your doctor you are a caregiver.
• Take your own medicines on time.
• Get your shots, like the flu shot, if your doctor says so.

Find support in your community

• Eldercare Locator: 1-800-677-1116, or eldercare.acl.gov. A free service that connects you to local help for older adults and caregivers, like meals, rides, and respite.
• Your local Area Agency on Aging: The Eldercare Locator can help you find it.
• Support groups: Ask your doctor, hospital, or faith group. Many meet in person or online.
• Respite care: Some programs give your loved one care for a few hours or days so you can rest. Ask the Eldercare Locator or your loved one's health plan what is available and what it costs.

How home health can help the family

If your loved one gets home health, the team can help you too:

• Nurses and therapists can teach you how to give care safely.
• A home health aide may help with bathing and dressing during visits, if it is part of the care plan.
• A medical social worker can help you find community resources and support.
• The team can answer questions and tell you what warning signs to watch for.

Home health is visits, not 24-hour care. It does not replace a caregiver. But it can make the load lighter.

When to get help for yourself

Call 911 if you:

• Have chest pain or bad trouble breathing.
• Have signs of a stroke.
• Are in danger or feel you might hurt someone.

Call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) if you:

• Feel hopeless or think about hurting yourself.
• It is free and open 24 hours a day.

Call your own doctor if you:

• Feel sad or worried most days for two weeks or more.
• Cannot sleep or eat well.
• Have pain from lifting or moving your loved one.

Frequently asked questions

If you want Newstart Home Health

• Newstart Home Health Inc is licensed in 7 Southern California counties. We are currently serving Los Angeles, Ventura, and Orange Counties.
• We accept Medicare and Medi-Cal. Coverage rules can be different for each person and health plan.
• You and your family can call us. A real person will help you. It is free to call.

Related pages

• Request Care
• Medical Social Work
• Certified Home Health Aides
• Home Health vs. Home Care vs. Hospice
• Fall Prevention at Home

Sources

1. MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine (NIH). "Caregivers." https://medlineplus.gov/caregivers.html (checked Oct 26, 2026, PT)
2. National Institute on Aging (NIH). "Taking Care of Yourself: Tips for Caregivers." https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/caregiving/taking-care-yourself-tips-caregivers (checked Oct 26, 2026, PT)
3. Eldercare Locator, Administration for Community Living. https://eldercare.acl.gov/ (phone 1-800-677-1116 confirmed on site Oct 26, 2026, PT)
4. 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. https://988lifeline.org/ (checked Oct 26, 2026, PT)
5. Medicare.gov (CMS). "Home health services." https://www.medicare.gov/coverage/home-health-services (checked Oct 26, 2026, PT)

Last reviewed: October 26, 2026