Preparing for caregiving

If you are going to be a caregiver, think about your role before you start. Ask yourself these questions:

• Am I ready to work with my loved one on stroke recovery?
• What are my loved one's needs?
• Who can best help meet my loved one's needs?
• Who will be the main caregiver?
• Will this need to be scheduled around my work or other activities?

You will have time during discharge to talk to the health care staff about caregiving and about making a plan.

Take care of yourself

Being a caregiver means you need to take care of yourself, too.

Take time each day to just be by yourself. If that doesn't work, take a day or two off during the week. This will refresh you and make you a better caregiver.

• Don't be afraid to ask your loved one's family or friends for help.
• Ask about community agencies, volunteer groups, churches, respite care or nursing agencies that can help you.
• Enjoy hobbies or friends. They will bring fun and positive feeling into your life.
• Learn all you can about stroke symptoms, risk factors, treatment and care.
• Check out education classes or information in your community.
• If you have any questions, ask your loved one's health care team.

Support groups and resources are available for stroke survivors and caregivers.