It is very important as a carer to not only take good care of your loved one, but also to take good care of yourself. Here are some helpful hints on how you as a caregiver can maintain a positive attitude, keep yourself physically and emotionally healthy, and “keep your cool” in the midst of the difficulties and challenges of caregiving.

Simple Things That You Can Do For Yourself

• Celebrate small successes and good days.
• Maintain meaningful relationships with family and friends.
• Make realistic commitments - adjust priorities to match time, energy, and motivation.
• Take time off to restore yourself (stretch, take a walk, read a book, practice a hobby, etc.).
• Identify positive things in your life – list your accomplishments as a caregiver and allow yourself to feel good about the role you play in your loved one’s life.
• Get enough sleep. If you’re rested, you will be more patient and efficient in caregiving.
• Remain flexible and keep the capacity to alter your perspective as changes occur.
• Keep your sense of humor -- use it often.

Seek Outside Information & Assistance

• Educate yourself regarding your loved one’s condition and needed care.
• Don’t feel guilty about asking others for help. Ask for and accept help. Remember that you need to get away at times, so delegate roles to others and keep other family members involved.
• Join a carer support group. This will give you a safe place to vent your feelings and frustration, as well as get valuable advice from other carers.
• Seek advice from health care providers, social workers and counselors regarding community resources and personal care.

DO YOU FEEL OVERWHELMED, STRESSED, BURNED OUT? TAKE A MINUTE TO CHECK YOUR CARER STRESS LEVEL!

Rate the following with (Low) 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 (High)

___ Denial about the disease and its effect on the person who has been diagnosed.
___ Anger at the person receiving care, or others; that no effective treatments or cures currently exist; that people don’t understand.
___ Social withdrawal from friends and activities that once brought pleasure.
___ Anxiety about facing another day and what the future holds.
___ Depression affecting ability to cope.
___ Exhaustion making it nearly impossible to complete necessary daily tasks.
___ Sleeplessness caused by never-ending lists of concerns.
___ Irritability leading to moodiness and triggering negative responses and reactions.
___ Lack of concentration making it difficult to perform familiar tasks.
___ Health problems that take their toll, both mentally and physically.

If you rated 2 or higher in more than 3 areas, you may want to seek professional help.