Tips for Hepatitis C Caregivers

Caregivers are a vital support for those who have hepatitis C. When someone you love and care about has hepatitis C, you become a hepatitis C warrior right along beside them. You’re in the battle with them.

Caregiving responsibilities can vary depending on the health condition of the patient. For caregivers who are helping patients with decompensated cirrhosis, liver cancer, extrahepatic conditions, or liver transplant, the needs are even greater.

What needs could hep C patients have?

Some caregiving duties might include:

• Advocating with and for the patient
• Going with the patient to their doctor’s appointment
• Taking care of medications
• Talking to the insurance company and dealing with paperwork
• Talking to the doctor, nurses, and pharmacy
• Helping the patient with physical needs, meals, etc.
• Emotional support for the patient
• Communicating to other members of the family and friends

Caregivers can often get weary emotionally, mentally and physically. It’s important for the caregiver to receive care and support as well. Refreshment, encouragement, and meeting physical needs are vital.

Avoiding burnout

If the caregiver doesn’t receive help and take care of themselves, they are not able to help and support the patient when needed.

How caregivers can avoid burnout:

• Get involved in a support group for caregivers of those with liver disease.
• Find others who can help with the patient’s needs that way the duties are shared, lighter, and easier to handle. Ask family, friends or healthcare professionals to help.
• Professional counseling for emotional support of the caregiver is very helpful.
• Taking short breaks or a day off to run errands, go out with friends, or work on a favorite hobby or project can give a boost of mental refreshment. Ask a family member or friend to help for a short time while you take a break.
• Recognize that you can not take blame or responsibility for what happens to the patient beyond your control.
• Don’t shoulder burdens alone. Talk to others, ask for help.
• If emotions flare, take a short break. Remember, you’re not superhuman.

Other tips

Recognize when you’re feeling burnout. Be proactive about taking steps to take breaks, involving others to help, and seek support for your loved one as well as yourself.

Be sure to take care of yourself physically. Eat regular nutritious meals and healthy snacks. If you feel sick, go to the doctor. Ask others to step in while you’re sick and recovering. Try to get a full night sleep and take rest breaks during the day if needed. Take care of yourself by not neglecting your own needs.

Take care of yourself mentally and emotionally. Taking time off is not neglecting your loved one. It helps you to recharge in order to be a better caregiver. Take care of yourself spiritually. Seek out others of faith in your church or community who can pray for and with you. Make daily quiet time for yourself to read, pray, meditate, or journal. Listen to uplifting music.

What challenges are you facing as a caregiver? How are you taking care of yourself and your loved one?