How to Care for the Caregiver

If you are either a professional caregiver, or a family member who provides full time, or part time care and assistance for a person who is disabled, elderly, or perhaps suffers from memory loss or confusion your wellbeing, both mentally and physically is not only important for you, but essential to the continued health and well being of the person you care for.

Providing care under the best of circumstances can be stressful and very exhausting. Here are some tips for you, the caregiver, that have been tried, tested, and proven effective for your use as you help yourself to help others. They are supported by The Del Mar Caregiver's Resource Center, The Department of Veteran's Affairs, and a host of other qualified and dedicated caregivers:

1.) Ask For Help.

You might be surprised at how many friends and relatives are willing to help out for an hour each week. Another good idea is to make a general list of items that need to be done. When a friend asks, "What can I do to help?" Let them choose from the list. Even though asking for help is difficult, it is much easier than not having any in a crisis.

2.) Express your feelings.

Recognize that feelings of frustration, sadness, and anger are normal. Besides your friends and relatives, try to locate a caregiver support group in your area. Most important, however, talk.

3.) Take care of your health.

This probably sounds like an obvious concept. However, all too often, as care givers, we sacrifice our personal comfort, our personal needs, and even our health during the course of attempting to preserve and deliver the same. This is definitely an area where the old saying that you can only take care of another person, if you can take care of yourself is very valid.

4.) Learn about the disease.

Educate yourself about the unique aspects and pathology of the illness so that you are ready for any progression that might occur, and so that you are able to provide information to friends and family so that they know how best to support you.

5.) Avoid Isolation.

Get a hobby. Join a reading or discussion group. Develop an outside interest of some kind.

6.) Talk with professionals.

Contact you local social services agency for referrals to providers of caregiver resources. Speak with an attorney, or an accountant about potential legal, or financial issues. Find a therapist or a counselor that you trust to help you deal with your feelings.

7.) Look for signs of burnout.

Besides not taking care of your own health, which is a prime indicator, feelings of loneliness, crying, or loosing your temper more than you usually do are all indicators that you might need some help. Make an honest inventory of your sedative, and alcohol usage. Find someone to talk to if you feel trapped, discouraged, or overly frustrated.

8.) Give yourself a treat.

Whether you buy yourself something, or simply reward yourself by doing nothing at all. Reward yourself for all of your efforts and a job well done in a way that says, "Thanks," to you.

9.) Take time for yourself.

Consider using a respite care service. Take at least an hour everyday at the same regular time for yourself, or schedule an afternoon once a week in the same way. Consider taking a vacation.

10.) Investigate local services.

You may not want or need to use services like Meals on Wheels, or similar companies who provide augmented services to home providers, but if you ever do, you won't find yourself unprepared, or unknowledgeable.