From the time of your loved ones diagnosis, entering the palliative care phase and heading towards end of life care this can be a time of much stress and worry for the main carer.
It is more than likely that the carer and family have experienced sleepless nights, challenges as well as emotions being high and energy being low. As a caregiver of someone who is terminally ill it's so important to look after yourself and look after each other, otherwise physical and emotional burn out will be inevitable.
Assisting your loved one at the end of their life is no easy task. Its important to take care of your physical self, your emotional self, your peace of mind and your spiritual well-being.
Its not uncommon for the carer and family to feel:
- Stress
- Anxiety
- Fear
- Grief
- Sadness
- Tiredness/Fatigue
- Anger
- Shock
This is a very busy and stressful time but managed well can be the most beautiful and peaceful time.
Ensure you take the time you need to:
- Eat well
- Stay hydrated
- Have a lovely hot shower
- Get adequate rest/sleep
- Get fresh air
- Sit for a quiet tea/coffee
- Meditate
- Gentle exercise
- Stay connected to your support networks
By allowing yourself permission to care for yourself, you will be in a much healthier position to care for your loved one. It's OK to take some time each day to give yourself the nourishment for your own body, mind and spirit. Ensure you have people around you who can help so you can make this time for yourself as it is so important for your own well-being. Remember that it's OK to accept help from family, friends and services.If people reach out and want to help you say YES and don't feel guilty! People will want to help you!
If you can get help for:
- Meal prep
- Grocery shopping
- Light cleaning
- Picking up equipment/medications
- Child care
This will give you the time to process what is happening and take care of yourself.
I think its also important for you to have someone you trust who you can talk to. Its helpful for your emotional well-being to talk about your fears, talk about your grief and talk about your concerns. The worst thing you can do is bottle up those thoughts. If you feel you can't talk to someone then write your thoughts down, sometime just writing things down can help you feel emotionally lighter. If you feel like you could benefit from professional counselling during this time there is NO shame in this! Please don't hesitate to reach out and ask your GP for help.
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