Managing self-care means helping yourself by taking responsibility for seeing that your personal needs met and by maintaining activities and relationships that are meaningful.
It is essential that you fully understand the medical condition of the person you are caring for, what he or she can do, and what you can do, so that you do not expect the impossible.
Focus on solutions for positive change and let go of what cannot be changed. Effective communication with all parties involved, including other family members, friends, health care professionals, and the person you are caring for, is of utmost importance as problems arise. Another aspect of self-care is learning to deal with emotions and setting goals and working toward them.
For more information, visit http://www.extension.org/pages/Takinig_Care_of_You.