Self Care

Self-care is defined as the extent to which an individual, family or community engages in any activity with the intention of improving health, preventing disease, managing conditions, and restoring health.1 Research has documented that caregiving can be very demanding and over time may lead to poorer health for the caregiver. Often caregivers are the sole care providers for their loved one. Therefore, while it is important as a caregiver to ensure the needs of the care recipient, it is also vital to take care of yourself. This section will focus on the physical self-care needs of the caregiver, specifically exercise and nutrition.

Exercise & Nutrition
Caregiving makes physical, emotional, mental and social demand on the caregiver. These demands can lead to stress which over time can increase risk of illness, depression and burnout. It is important for a caregiver to focus time on caring for themselves as well as providing care for the care receiver. Two areas of importance to self-care are exercise and proper nutrition.