Long-term caregiving can impact your health more than you think. Learn how to spot the risks and protect your body, mind, and energy.

Caregiving is a selfless, beautiful act - but it often comes at a high cost to the caregiver's own health.

If you’re providing long-term care, especially for someone with dementia, you might already feel it: the back pain from lifting, the foggy brain from lack of sleep, or the stress that never quite goes away. These are just a few of the hidden health risks that caregivers face. And the truth is, your well-being matters just as much as your loved one's.

Here’s what you need to know.

Physical Strain: The Wear and Tear You Didn’t See Coming

Helping your loved one transfer, get dressed, or walk safely may feel like part of the job - but over time, those repetitive movements can lead to real injuries. Think back pain, shoulder strain, and even torn muscles.

Protect yourself with small changes:

• Use proper body mechanics (lift with your legs, not your back).

• Invest in tools like a gait belt.

• Try basic strength and flexibility exercises.
  

Chronic Stress: The Silent Burden

The mental and emotional pressure of caregiving can be relentless. You’re always on—coordinating care, managing medications, navigating behaviors, and making big decisions.

Over time, this leads to chronic stress, which affects your sleep, immune system, and even your heart.

Try this:

• Practice 5 minutes of restorative care daily (deep breathing, journaling, a short walk).

• Say no to things that drain you unnecessarily.

• Connect with a support group that understands.

Neglecting Your Own Health: The Most Common Mistake

So many caregivers skip meals, delay doctor visits, or put sleep on the back burner.

But here’s the truth: You can't pour from an empty cup.

Build in small routines that protect your health:

• Prep nutritious snacks ahead of time.

• Put your own checkups on the calendar.

• Allow space to rest—even for a few minutes a day.
  

You deserve to feel well too.

Protecting your own health isn’t selfish. It’s essential. You can’t give your best care when you’re running on empty.

Your health matters, too. Let’s start taking care of you.

You Are Not Alone

🫂 Join the Conversation:

• Need a community where you can ask for help and get real support? Join my FREE Caregiver Support Group here 👉 Dementia Caregivers Success & Support Network.

📚 Resources to Support You:

• Explore the Dementia Caregivers Academy Course for in-depth strategies and support.

PS.

This video is also posted on our YouTube Channel!

#CaregiverHealth #DementiaSupport #SelfCareForCaregivers #BurnoutPrevention