Looking after yourself—physically
Although caring for someone can be rewarding, it can also be demanding and exhausting. Carer stress can be a major problem when looking after someone in a home environment. Many carers focus all their attention on looking after their family member or friend and neglect their own health. Looking after yourself as a carer is important, not only for your own sake but because it will allow you to provide better care to your family member/friend.
Although it can be difficult to fit in paid work (if you continue to work), caring, and other responsibilities, it is important to think about your own health. For more information on looking after yourself, click here.
Terminology can be confusing. This website has used the following terminology:
- terminal illness - an illness which is progressive and has no cure
- life threatening illness - an illness which is very serious - a person may recover, or the illness may become terminal.
Sometimes, in other forums, the terms "life limiting" or "life shortening" are used instead of "terminal".
This website was developed by PCA with funding from the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing. PCA is the peak national body representing the interests of people living with a life threatening illness. PCA aims to increase access to services for people living with a life threatening illness and their families and carers. To provide feedback on this website, click here.