What is self-care?

Self-care is about taking responsibility for your own health and having the confidence to use the right service at the right time.

Self-care is:

• knowing how to keep fit and healthy
• knowing how and when to take your medicines
• managing self-treatable conditions and knowing when to seek medical help for something more serious.

Our healthcare professionals will provide support and advice to help you look after yourself, such as injections, medication and exercise.

What are the benefits of self-care?

Self-care can help you to:

• improve your physical health
• reduce stress and anxiety
• boost your self-esteem
• protect your mental health
• have better relationships.

If you have a long-term condition, self-care can help you to take control of your condition, balancing mind, body and soul.

What is self-care for the body (physical wellbeing)?

This focuses on forming healthy habits that improve your wellbeing and reducing unhealthy ones. Looking after your body involves making positive choices that help you stay fit, healthy and energised.

Good physical habits can include:

• taking some exercise every day
• going on walks
• getting medical help when you need it
• eating a well-balanced diet rich in nutrients
• drinking enough fluid
• getting enough sleep
• giving up, or cutting down on, drugs and alcohol.

What is self-care for the mind and soul (mental and emotional wellbeing)?

This focuses on looking after your mental and emotional wellbeing. In other words, it is about taking good care of your thoughts, feelings and emotions.

Mental self-care also involves training your mind. Just as you train your body to keep it fit, you also need to keep your mind active. An active mind can help you deal with stress and cope with significant life changes. This awareness allows you to process feelings in a healthy way, focus on positive emotions and manage negative ones.

Mental and emotional self-care habits can include:

• spending quality time with loved ones
• learning something new
• doing a hobby you enjoy
• taking a break from your phone
• practising positive self-talk
• meditating
• keeping a diary
• being kind to yourself and others
• using mindfulness techniques to regulate your emotions.

What is self-care in your treatment plan?

• joint care with your nursing team
• being fully informed and understanding your treatment
• having the confidence to manage your condition, illness or treatment
• raising any concerns about your self-care plan.

Self-care plan

What are you hoping to achieve from your care with us?

________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________

What we will do and what you and your support network will do:

Thinking about what is most important to you, can you write three goals that would help you look after yourself?

Goal one

______________________________________________________________

Goal two

_______________________________________________________________

Goal three

_______________________________________________________________

Contact details for your team

Team:

Contact number:

What should you do to prepare for your visit or appointment with us?

We kindly ask that you prepare for your appointment in the following ways:

• please make sure you are at home or available for your appointment
• give us reasonable notice if your appointment needs to be changed or cancelled
• many of our staff are pleased to see your pets. However, we ask that you place them in a separate room during our visit
• if you or anyone in your household smokes, please respect our staff by not smoking before or during your home visit
• have this leaflet to hand during your visit or appointment to support discussions about your care
• be prepared and willing to undertake self-care.

Who to contact if you need help or support

If you need medical help now, but it is not an emergency:

• go to NHS 111 online or call 111
• speak to a pharmacist for advice on medicines or common problems such as coughs, colds and rashes
• see a GP or dentist.

If you think it is an emergency:

• call 999 or attend your nearest A and E department
• Kent and Medway Mental Health Crisis Line – call 111 and select option two
• Kent and Medway Out of Hours Social Services – 03000 41 91 91.

Could it be sepsis?

For information on how to spot the signs and symptoms of sepsis, please visit Sepsis Trust