BEING A FAMILY CAREGIVER

Caring for a loved one can be a stressful and exhausting role.  It can take a toll on your physical and emotional health.  I expect that the issue of caregiver health will become a more prominent concern in the future.  But right now, you, those you care about, a co-worker or a neighbor might be one of the millions of family caregivers in our country. 

It is a huge and important topic.  Below I've provided some practical ideas and a few of my favorite resources.  Also, here are two ideas that I find most helpful:

• Remember that your stresses are neither your fault nor your loved one’s, but are caused by the situation or illness. 
• Focus on these phrases: "I am both a caregiver and a person with my own needs." "I take care of both my loved one and myself." 

Seven Suggestions for Taking Care of the Family Caregiver

1) Understand the diagnosis: the anticipated disease process, the interventions, and how it impacts other medical conditions.    

 2) Encourage the doctors and other professionals to communicate directly with your loved one.  

3) Share what is going on with family and friends.   

4) Be specific about the type of help you need, whether or not it directly involves your loved one. 

5) Follow guidelines for good health: balanced diet; exercise; sleep enough; avoid smoking, excessive drinking of alcohol, or using drugs/overuse of medications; keep your mind challenged; socialize with supportive people; use relaxation techniques; and laugh. 

6) Accept and respect your limitations and set reasonable expectations with your loved one. 

7) Let go of guilt feelings. 

These suggestions are part of a presentation I have given.  If you would like to arrange a talk or workshop to meet the needs of a group or organization, please feel free to CONTACT me.

Also, if you would benefit from learning how to implement such information, with consideration of your specific needs, please CONTACT me for an individual consultation.

RECOMMENDED BOOKS:

Alzheimer’s: A Caregiver’s Guide and Sourcebook by Howard Gruetzner; Wiley, Third Edition (2001)

Ten Thousand Joys & Ten Thousand Sorrows: A Couple's Journey Through Alzheimer's by Olivia Ames Hoblitzelle; Tarcher, Reprint edition (2010)

RECOMMENDED WEBSITES:

Family Caregiver Alliance: www.caregiver.org

Alzheimer's Association: www.alz.org