Taking care of yourself is your most important step as a caregiver. Caregiving can be stressful and cause feelings of depression and anxiety in some people. Here are some important things you need to find time to do—just for yourself.

• Try to take a class on caregiving.

  You will meet other caregivers and learn new ways to manage challenging situations. Visit www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/corporate/seniors/forum.html to find resources in your area.

• Get some exercise.

  You may feel better and sleep better if you exercise. One way is to be active in blocks of 10 minutes or more throughout your day and week. Experts say to aim for at least 2½ hours of moderate or vigorous activity a week, but any amount of regular exercise may help. ^{footnote 1}

• Eat healthy meals and snacks.

  When you are busy giving care, it may seem easier to eat fast food than to prepare healthy meals. Healthy eating will give you more energy to carry you through each day.

• Get enough sleep.

  If you aren't getting enough sleep at night, try to take a nap during the day.

• Make time for an activity you enjoy.

  For example, make time to read, listen to music, paint, do crafts, or play an instrument—even if you can only do it for a few minutes a day. If you like to go to faith-based activities or take classes, ask a friend or family member to stay with the person you're taking care of for an hour or two once or twice a week so you can do those things.

• Get regular medical checkups.

  This includes dental checkups. Even if you have always been healthy, you need to stay healthy. Know about the signs of depression, and watch for them not only in the person you are caring for but also in yourself. If you have feelings of lingering sadness or hopelessness, talk with your doctor.

• Get the support you need.

  Helping a person with health problems can be emotionally difficult. If you are having trouble coping with your feelings, seek advice and counselling from family members, trained mental health professionals, or spiritual advisors.

As a caregiver, your goal is to help the person you're caring for have control over their own life (as much as possible). Here are some ways you can empower them to be more independent.

• Let the person make as many decisions as possible.

  For example, they may decide what to wear, what to eat, or when to go to bed.

• Simplify.

  If you're caring for someone who has mild dementia, break complex tasks into simpler steps. For example, say, "First, get out the cereal box. Next, get out the milk."

• Make it easy.

  Make changes in the person's home and provide tools that will allow the person to do things without help.

• Allow for mistakes.

  Knowing that you could do something better or faster can be frustrating when you're a caregiver. Be patient, and let things get done with less-than-perfect results.

• Be encouraging.

  Help the person feel good about trying to do things on their own.

• Give them responsibility to care for something.

  This could include a pet or plant.

• Match the person's tasks with their abilities.

  If you aren't sure what tasks are reasonable, ask the doctor.