What Makes a Good Caregiver?

The majority of those caring for aging parents and family members are middle aged women. They are married, working and spend an average of 18 hours a week in the caretakers role. Taking on the responsibility of caregiver is not easy and those that do are very special people.

To be a good caregiver, you must:

Eat healthy and get regular exercise, even if it's only a short walk, or light aerobics. If you're not healthy you can't properly take care of someone else.

Acknowledge that caring for an older adult is stressful and it's natural to experience a wide range of emotions from joy and fulfillment to anger and frustration.

Take time out for yourself. You cannot allow the role of caregiver to take over all other aspects of their life. "Away time" is necessary to prevent depression and resentment that causes burnout.

Accept that you cannot be everything to everyone, all the time. Ask for help from family, friends, and the community.

Give the person you're caring for a say in the decisions that affect them. Let them decide what to wear, what to eat, or when to go to bed. Extend them the dignity and courtesy you would want extended to yourself.

Find out how legal and financial affairs should be handled.

Identify doctors and what they do for your elder. Record prescriptions and note all medical instructions given by the physicians.

Refrain from giving too much care. Even if they don't admit it, people like to help themselves. Let them continue caring for their pets, shopping, cleaning, and whatever else they're physically able to do.

Take pride in your efforts!