Built by the HF Community for Those Living With HF
DEVELOPED WITH PATIENTS, PATIENT ORGANISATIONS, AND
CARE PARTNERS FOR THOSE LIVING WITH HEART FAILURE
Focusing on you
‘My sister and I spent the day looking at antiques, our favourite thing to do. Just having the one day to step away and relax helped us to come back home to our care partner lives.’
Take time to look after yourself
When you are a care partner, one of the most important things you can do is to make time for yourself. Try to make this a conscious effort every day.
Take time to do activities you enjoy.
Whether it’s getting out to take a walk, meeting a friend for lunch, or reading a favourite book, it’s okay to take some ‘me’ time to relax and recharge.
Keep medical and dental appointments.
Ask for help when you need it, so you can get away and take care of your own health.
Enlist the help of others when you can.
Don’t feel like you have to take on all the responsibilities by yourself. When possible, try to involve other family members or a visiting nurse. Or maybe hire a food delivery or housekeeping service to help with the shopping and cleaning.
Stay connected with the outside world.
Make sure you don’t become isolated. Stay connected with family and friends, even if it’s just by phone or online. Talk to friends about something other than your role as a care partner.
Finding yourself, to focus on your own body and understand what is going on and work within your limits for that day. Take time for yourself, listen to your body."
