10 Tips for Family Caregivers

1 Caregiving is a job and respite is your earned right. Reward yourself with respite breaks often.

2 Watch out for signs of depression, and don’t delay in getting professional help when you need it.

3 When people offer to help, accept the offer and suggest specific things that they can do.

4 Educate yourself about your loved one’s condition and how to communi-cate effectively with doctors.

5 There’s a difference between caring and doing. Be open to technologies and ideas that promote your loved one’s independence.

6 Trust your instincts. Most of the time they’ll lead you in the right direction.

7 Caregivers often do a lot of lifting, pushing, and pulling. Be good to your back.

8 Grieve for your losses, and then allow yourself to dream new dreams.

9 Seek support from other caregivers. There is great strength in knowing you are not alone.

10 Stand up for your rights as a care-giver and a citizen.