They are the voice, the nurturers, and the comforters for stroke patients: caregivers. Around the clock, they often put their own needs aside to focus solely on their spouse, parent, or child.

“They really need to make themselves a priority. Make sure they are getting enough rest, sleep, relaxation,” explains Danielle Musteffe, CARE Program Coordinator for Lee Memorial Health System. The number of caregivers in the United States has tripled in the past three years and is expected to increase in the next 5 years.

Neurologist Dr. Paul Driscoll says it’s important to check on the caregiver’s well-being while caring for the stroke victim. “I’m talking to Mrs. Jones, but realistically, I want to make sure Mr. Jones is able to keep everything together to take care of Mrs. Jones,” says Dr. Driscoll.

Caregivers also need to take some time to regroup. “They need time away. It’s wonderful. I mean, I see it in these caregivers – they are doing it all. We’ll talk about: What do you do separate from your spouse? Separate from your parent? Separate from your child? A lot of them will have nothing that they do and it’s like you really need that to avoid burnout. Its not being unloving. Its being maintaining. Because if you do that 24/7, you are going to burn out,” says Dr. Driscoll.

“We find that the more that caregivers can take care of themselves, they are actually better for their loved one,” adds Musteffe. Caregivers are advised to take just a few hours each week to do what they enjoy, provided the patient is in a safe setting. This can help to alleviate burnout, frustration, even anger and resentment.