If your loved one has fibromyalgia, arthritis, multiple sclerosis, or any other type of chronic illness, it’s safe to say that they deal with some difficult days. And as a caregiver, it may not always be clear how you can best help them through challenges.

While the most important thing is that you simply make yourself available and remain a consistent source of love and strength, it’s also important to have some practical strategies in place so that you can help your loved one maintain quality of life on the road ahead. Below, author Paul J. Travers shares a few tips to get you started.

Learn About their Condition  

No matter what condition your loved one is living with, you will be a more effective caregiver if you learn as much as you can about it. You may not be able to change the diagnosis, but you can arm yourself with information that can help you be there for your loved one. Look into the different stages of their ailment, symptoms of progression, treatment options, and other relevant information.

Help Around the House    

The pain that comes from chronic illness keeps many people from accomplishing everyday tasks around the house. You can make a significant impact on their life if you help your loved one keep a well-maintained home. For example, you can help straighten up their office and buy them some ergonomic furniture. Plan a weekend to declutter and deep clean the home, and evaluate the property for any modifications that could accommodate the needs of your loved one.

Then, figure out which projects you can DIY, and find local professionals who can do the more extensive repairs and modifications. For instance, if your loved one’s home has seen better days, you could hire a local handyman to repair such things as windows, the deck, walls, flooring, and doors. Search online for professional contractors in your community. Be sure to read online reviews and compare costs as you compare candidates.

Exercise Together

Another practical way that you can help a loved one who is living with a chronic health condition is to exercise with them. The condition may limit the types of movements your loved one can engage in, but there are many online resources that can help you choose the types of exercises that both of you can do each day. Getting into a regular fitness routine will do wonders in helping your loved one maintain their quality of life.

Even an activity as simple as walking through their neighborhood can be a great way to build strength and get their blood moving. If they live in an area with a high walk score, you can even walk over to pick up a few healthy groceries, a latte, or even for the occasional meal. Your being present can help to encourage your loved one to get out, and if they have any mobility limitations, your presence will likely provide peace of mind in case they trip or fall.

Talk About It

Any relationship requires good communication in order to flourish. If your loved one has a chronic illness, that same rule applies! Pain Scale advises not to avoid talking to your loved one because you feel like you cannot relate to the pain and struggle they deal with every day. Encourage them to be honest with you and tell you how best to support them. Always keep the discussion about their health condition open so that your loved one knows they can turn to you to vent their thoughts and emotions or work out solutions.

Support Your Health

It’s easy to become so focused on your loved one that you deprioritize your own health and well-being. You can’t be a good partner or caregiver when you are running on fumes. Instead, give yourself time every day – even if it’s only 15 minutes – for self-care. Do something that makes you happy, like read a book, go for a jog, play a game, or strum your guitar.

Keep your body healthy, too, by taking vitamins and eating well-balanced meals and snacks. Don’t fall into a rut of fast food simply to reduce stress and free up time. These practices are quick fixes, but they will make you feel sluggish over time. Whole foods and produce are great ways to give your body the nutrients it needs, and to help you feel healthy throughout your days.

Avoid Burnout

Finally, it is critical that you, the caregiver, take care of your health and well-being along the way. This can be one of the hardest things to do when you are busy caring for someone else. But you have to remember that in order to be a great caregiver, you must have the energy, patience, and ability to do it. Try to cover the three pillars; eat a healthy diet, exercise regularly, and the CDC recommends getting at least seven hours of sleep.

Make some changes to create a more balanced and low-stress environment at home. Caregivers often work from home on top of their caregiving responsibilities, which makes this positive environment even more important. Start by allowing natural light in whenever possible (with the understanding that too much light can be difficult for sufferers of migraine and other chronic pain). Invest in some ergonomic furniture that will be supportive, but also relaxing, as you work between care sessions. And get yourself organized, whether it’s through a good filing system, digitizing your documents, or using a project management program.

Caring for Yourself and Your Loved One

You don’t have to be a medical professional to help a loved one who has a chronic health condition. Take the time to be there and really listen. Take calming walks together, and bolster your body with healthy, immunity-building foods. These acts will go a long way in helping you become the rock of support that your loved one needs. Above all, however, just make sure that your loved one knows that you are there for them no matter what. And you will learn a lot on your journey together, so try to enjoy as many moments as you can.