Welcome to our health education library. The information shared below is provided to you as an educational and informational source only and is not intended to replace a medical examination or consultation, or medical advice given to you by a physician or medical professional.

For Caregivers: Coping TipsPara el cuidador: Consejos para enfrentar la situaci³n

For Caregivers: Coping Tips

Caregivers often feel they must tend to their loved one's needs full time. But burning yourself out doesn't help anyone. You can't take good care of someone else without taking good care of yourself as well. It's not selfish. It's essential. Take a break. Eat right. Get out and exercise. Most of all, accept that you can't do everything yourself.

Give Yourself a Break

All of the things you do are not equally important. Set priorities. That way you won't be busy all the time. Look after your health. Go for a walk each chance you get. Take a long bath. Lift your spirits by having lunch with a friend. Or do nothing for an hour. Just nap or relax.

Accept Help

Knowing you can count on others can be a relief. Accept help when it's offered. And be willing to ask for help when you need it. Those who care about you really do want to help.

If You Feel Depressed

Over time, stress from the event of the stroke should lessen. Yet your life may have changed. Realizing this may cause grief, both for you and your loved one. Contact your doctor if either of you shows signs of depression. Treatment can help you find hope-even when you think nothing can help.

Common Signs of Depression

Feeling down most of the time
Feeling guilty or helpless
Losing pleasure in things you used to enjoy, such as reading, exercise, or social events
Sleeping less or more than normal
Having a big rise or fall in appetite or weight
Feeling restless or irritable
Feeling tired, weak, or low in energy
Having trouble focusing, remembering, or making decisions

Date Last Reviewed: 2007-01-15T00:00:00-07:00

Date Last Modified: 2006-02-27T00:00:00-07:00

Contact us at Northwest Oncology & Hematology. You can reach us at 847.870.4100 (Rolling Meadows office), 847.437.3312 (Elk Grove Village office), 847.885.4100 (Hoffman Estates office), 847.842.0180 (Barrington office) and 847.577.1023 (Elgin office). For your convenience, you can also use our New Patient Appointment online form to schedule your consultation with us.

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After Hours Contact

Anytime you have a medical emergency, call 911 for assistance. If you simply have a concern or question for the physician that cannot wait until office hours, please call our office and the answering service will page the doctor on call for you. This service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

If at any time you are unable to reach a physician after hours using our office phone numbers, contact the answering service directly at (847) 758-2846.