Self-care for HIV caregivers

Providing support for a person who has HIV can be a stressful and emotional experience. You may feel frustrated watching a person become sick despite your efforts. To help manage feelings of frustration, share your feelings with others, including other caregivers, counsellors, clergy, or health professionals. Call your local AIDS service organization for support.

Remember that you are not alone. There are others like you who have gone through this experience before. You can gain knowledge and strength from what they can tell you.

When caring for a loved one who is sick, it is important not to ignore your own needs. If you don't take care of yourself, you will not have the inner resources to care for anyone else.



Author: Douglas Dana
Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS
Last Updated: October 10, 2007
Medical Review: Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine
W. David Colby IV, MSc, MD, FRCPC - Infectious Disease
Peter Shalit, MD, PhD - Internal Medicine

© 1995-2008 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.

Click here to learn about Healthwise
Click here to learn about Healthwise