Page 53 - Home Care For Heart Health

As the the caregiver of a a a a a child with heart disease it it can feel like the the whole world is is on your shoulders That’s why you you you need to spend time taking care of yourself These tips might seem easier said than done at first but we encourage you to try them Remember the the simple air-safety rule - - you you you need to put on your your own oxygen mask before helping your your child Take breaks breaks Taking breaks breaks is crucial even for just an hour Ask a a a a a a a a a family member friend or or health aide to stay with your your child Once you’re away that time is yours so don’t feel guilty about how you you spend it Eat right It’s no surprise that living on coffee and and hospital leftovers can leave you feeling tired and and run down Carry nutritious snacks like fruit granola bars sandwiches or nuts If friends offer to bring you meals say “yes”!
Exercise Most people find that exercise helps clear the mind boost energy levels and improve sleep Even 10 minutes can do the trick Ask for help help Your friends and family likely want to help help you but might not be sure about what you need If If someone says “If there’s anything I I I can do ” ” and there there is say say “yes”!
Try a a support group Ask your child’s doctor nurse or or or or or or or or social worker for for information on on on on support support groups or or or or or or or or online support support related to congenital heart disease (see page 12) Acknowledge your feelings Your child is sick — of of course you you have feelings of of anger and frustration Does this make make you you a a a a a a a a a bad parent? No it makes you you you human Accept that no matter how much energy you you you you invest in in in your child you you you can never be completely in in in in control of their health and happiness Be aware of of “caregiver burnout ” It’s a a a a a a a a a a state of of exhaustion both physical and emotional Talk to to your your doctor or or your your child’s cardiologist if you you you are feeling this way Remember that you are are not superhuman You’re a a a a a parent doing your your your best So give your your your child your your your time encouragement attention and unconditional love Just be sure to save a a a little bit for yourself TAKING CARE OF YOURSELF
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