Caregiving: 6 Steps to Help You Cope

If you are one of the many who look after an older, sick or disabled family member or friend then you know this care-giving is like a part-time or even a full time job. Not surprisingly , care-giving can be very stressful and the strain can take an emotional and physical toll.

John Hopkins hospital has published some helpful tips to lower that stress if you are a caregiver:

Caregiver Tip 1. Ask for help
Avoid being the sole caregiver, if possible. This may mean asking adult children or siblings to help with groceries or car rides or even hiring a professional caregiver to perform difficult tasks like bathing your loved one. Short-term respite care, programs that send a healthcare professional to your home to provide temporary care for your family member or friend, is also helpful. Some long-term care insurance policies will cover this. Federal and state programs may also provide funding. Check with your local Area Agency on Aging (AAA) for Eldercare options in your area.
Caregiver Tip 2. Let it all out
Talk to a family member, friend, minister, or counselor about what you are experiencing, or seek out a local support group. It’s all too easy for a caregiver to withdraw from family and friends, but research shows that those with emotional outlets report less stress and fewer health ailments than those without such connections.
Caregiver Tip 3. Get up to speed
Specialized health organizations, such as the Alzheimer’s Association or the American Cancer Society, can provide detailed information on the disease your friend or family member is facing.
Caregiver Tip 4. Remember your health needs
Remembering your own doctor appointments and when to take your medicine can be difficult enough without having to juggle someone else’s schedule as well. Keeping a calendar of your appointments, writing yourself reminders, or even setting an alarm when it’s time to take your medications can be cues to help you stay on top of your health issues.

See the rest here: Caregiving: 6 Steps to Help You Cope

If you are a care-giver, remember, "the care-giver must survive"  or nobody does well.

Yours in Health
Dr Barbara