{"id":14843,"date":"2026-01-31T05:43:15","date_gmt":"2026-01-31T05:43:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/diyhaven858.wasmer.app\/index.php\/get-support-if-youre-a-caregiver-myhealthfinder\/"},"modified":"2026-01-31T05:43:15","modified_gmt":"2026-01-31T05:43:15","slug":"get-support-if-youre-a-caregiver-myhealthfinder","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/diyhaven858.wasmer.app\/index.php\/get-support-if-youre-a-caregiver-myhealthfinder\/","title":{"rendered":"Get Support If You’re a Caregiver – MyHealthfinder"},"content":{"rendered":"


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The Basics<\/h2>\n
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Overview<\/h3>\n
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When you’re taking care of a loved one, it\u2019s important to care for yourself, too. The emotional and physical stress of being a caregiver can cause health problems \u2014 so get the support you need to take care of your own health.<\/p>\n

What is a caregiver?<\/h4>\n

An informal or family caregiver is someone who helps a family member, friend, or neighbor who is sick or has a disability. Caregivers often provide unpaid assistance with basic daily tasks.<\/p>\n

You may be a caregiver if you regularly help someone with:<\/p>\n

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  • Shopping for groceries and cooking<\/li>\n
  • Cleaning the house<\/li>\n
  • Bathing, toileting, dressing, and eating<\/li>\n
  • Taking and keeping track of medicine<\/li>\n
  • Keeping wounds clean or giving shots<\/li>\n
  • Providing car rides to appointments<\/li>\n
  • Managing personal services, like talking with doctors or paying bills\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    About 1 in 5 adults in the United States are caregivers. Most caregivers also have other jobs, and about 1 in 4 spend more than 20 hours a week caring for a loved one.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

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    Caregiver Stress<\/h3>\n
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    The stress of caregiving can lead to health problems.<\/h4>\n

    When you’re caring for a loved one, it can be hard to take care of your own health. Caregivers are at higher risk of getting sick, like with a cold or the flu. They’re also more likely to have long-term health problems \u2014 like arthritis, diabetes, or depression.<\/p>\n

    You may have caregiver stress if you:<\/p>\n

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    • Feel angry or sad often<\/li>\n
    • Feel like taking care of your loved one is more than you can handle<\/li>\n
    • Feel like you don’t have time to care for yourself<\/li>\n
    • Sleep too much or too little<\/li>\n
    • Notice a change in your eating habits<\/li>\n
    • Lose interest in things you used to enjoy<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      Find out more about caregiver stress.<\/p>\n

      The good news is that you can lower your risk for health problems and caregiver stress if you take care of yourself and get support.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

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      Take Action<\/h2>\n
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      Physical Health<\/h3>\n
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      Take care of your body.<\/h4>\n

      Stress from caregiving can lead to problems like back pain and trouble sleeping. Taking care of yourself will give you the energy and strength to handle the demands of caregiving.<\/p>\n

      Here are some ways to take care of your body:<\/p>\n

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      • Eat healthy to keep your body strong. Making healthy food choices will help protect you from heart disease, bone loss, and high blood pressure. Get tips for healthy eating.<\/li>\n
      • Get active to give you more energy. Aim for 150 minutes a week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity, like walking fast or dancing. And try to do muscle-strengthening activities at least 2 days a week. Find out how to get active.<\/li>\n
      • Take steps to prevent back pain, like keeping your back straight and bending your knees when you lift something heavy. Get tips for preventing back pain.<\/li>\n
      • Make sure you get enough sleep. Most adults need 7 or more hours of sleep each night. Learn how to get enough sleep.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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        Mental Health<\/h3>\n
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        Take care of your mental health.<\/h4>\n

        It\u2019s important to take care of your mental health. Consider these tips:<\/p>\n

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        • Find ways to manage stress. You can start by taking a few slow, deep breaths several times during the day. Get more tips for managing stress.<\/li>\n
        • Do something for yourself! Set aside time each day to do something you enjoy. Try reading, listening to music, or talking to a friend.<\/li>\n
        • Ask a neighbor or friend to visit with your loved one while you take time to rest, take a walk, or gain a fresh perspective.<\/li>\n
        • Get support from others to help you cope with the emotional stress of caregiving.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

          It can also help to hear from other people who are caring for a loved one \u2014 their experiences may be similar to yours. Check out these stories from other caregivers.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

          Content last updated December 2, 2025<\/strong><\/p>\n

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          Reviewer Information<\/h2>\n
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          This information on support for caregivers is adapted from materials from the Administration on Aging and the Office on Women\u2019s Health.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

          Reviewed by:<\/strong><\/p>\n

          Bernice Hutchinson
          Aging Services Program Specialist
          Administration for Community Living<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n


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