FAMILY CAREGIVERS

Family caregiving knows no boundaries. Whether you provide care for someone at home or are responsible for someone in a long-term residence, down the block or miles away, you are a caregiver.

Caregiving takes many forms:

• Transporting your loved one to doctors appointments
• Keeping your loved ones home clean
• Assisting your loved one with bathing, dressing or grooming
• Helping your loved one with financial concerns etc.
• Contacting your loved one daily to discuss concerns and fears
• Coordinating services for a loved one who lives in another state.    

Ten Tips for Caregivers:

• Choose to take charge of your life, and don't let your loved one's illness or disability always take center stage.
• Remember to be good to yourself. Love, honor and value yourself. You're doing a hard job and you deserve some quality time, just for you.
• Watch out for signs of depression, and don't delay in getting professional help when you need it.
• When people offer to help, accept the offer and suggest specific things that they can do.
• Educate yourself about your loved one's condition. Information is empowering.
• There's a difference between caring and doing.  Be open to technologies and ideas that promote your loved one's independence.
• Trust your instincts. Most of the time they'll lead you in the right direction.
• Grieve for your losses. and then allow yourself to dream new dreams.
• Stand up for your rights as a caregiver and a citizen.
• Seek support from other caregivers. There is great strength in knowing you are not alone.

Contributed by the National Family Caregiver Association. National Family Caregivers Association and the National Alliance for Caregiving.