You don’t need me to tell but you probably need reminding – your physical well being depends on getting exercise, eating properly, getting enough sleep, being emotionally happy; not sitting for extended periods (which carers often do); lifting and physically caring for your VIP in a way that reduces the risk of damage to your own body. You also need to take regular breaks so that you can take care of yourself. So many carers only take a break to go out to run errands or do the weeks grocery shopping.
There are separate pages on this site for Exercise, Diet, Sleep and Staying Zen.
As carers we are more likely to hurt our backs than anything else. I’ve prepared a separate page on taking care of your back.
In the UK anyone who provides or intends to provide a substantial amount of care on a regular basis has a legal right to a carer’s assessment. Once a carer has requested a carer’s assessment, the local council has a duty to carry one out.