Caring for the carer

Looking after yourself

When caring for someone else, it’s easy to forget to look after yourself. However, it’s important to ensure you’re looking after your own health and wellbeing.

Eating well, exercising regularly, and getting enough sleep will help you keep healthy. It’s also important to take regular breaks from caring, and to have people you can talk to. This may be family, friends, support groups, or even a professional counsellor.

Get your own macula checked

Many family carers put their own needs last, but it’s important you don’t neglect your own eye health.

If the person you’re caring for is a relative, your own eye health is a priority, as many macular diseases run in families.

For example, if you have a family history of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), you have a 50 per cent risk of developing it too.

Regular eye exams are recommended every two years. People over 65 years and people living with diabetes should have annual checks. Of course, if your optometrist recommends more (or less) frequent eye exams, follow their advice.

If you notice sudden changes in your own vision, get your eyes checked immediately.