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The patients who come to the NIH Clinical Center to participate in studies may have rare, complicated conditions. They along with you, their caregiver, may face unique challenges. As a family caregiver, you know how to take care of others. But it's also important to take time out to "REST:"
-Relax
-Eat Healthy and Stay Active
-Sleep
-Take care of yourself |
Family members and friends often serve as caregivers and provide unconditional emotional and physical support. This can include activities such as maintaining the home, preparing meals, administering medications, tending to medical needs, driving to medical appointments, and coordinating medical care. This partnership is essential to support a loved one who is dealing with the challenges of serious illness or treatment.
Providing care to a family member or friend is a common yet challenging experience for many in the US1. An estimated 65.7 million people in the US serve as unpaid family caregivers, affecting approximately 36.5 million households. The majority of caregivers provide care to one family member, and an estimated 30% provide care to two or more individuals.
References:
1. Caregiving NAf. Cargiving in the U.S. 2009. 2009; 2009:Report, 2011. 
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