Keeping Family Caregiver Self-Care at the Forefront

One of the most striking reasons to promote family caregiver (FC) self-care is because of what might happen to patients if FC strain or burden is excessive—abuse, more patient hospitalizations, earlier institutionalization of patients, and overall poorer quality of life for patients and FCs. Poorer quality of life in FCs can lead to their own health problems and subsequently, inability to care for the patient. Yet, there are plenty of benefits associated with being a FC. It gives some a purpose in life and many say even post-death of the patient, they would do it all over again if given the choice. This chapter focuses on FC self-care and nurses’ role in it. It is not appropriate for FCs health and well-being to suffer while they give of themselves to care for another. Nurses know how important their own self-care practices are to be optimal in their jobs. Nurses need to coach FCs on self-care and this chapter highlights how and what to address and includes an example of one CNS student’s work doing so.