Tuesday’s Caregiving Tips, 9/9/14

My Top 10 Tips for Family Caregivers

1. Seek support from other caregivers.  You are not alone!
2. Take care of yourself.  If you’re not healthy how can you help your loved one?
3. Give yourself a pat on the back for doing the best you can with little if no training.
4. Accept it when someone offers help. Always have a list of things that need to be done.
5. Learn to communicate, not just how to talk but to listen.
6. Look into new technologies that can help take pressure, stress and work off you. 
7. Organize “All” the medical information you receive into a binder by date or however it’s best for you to locate.
8. Check legal documents are signed, notarized and in order if necessary.  Power of Attorney, Wills, etc.
9. Look for signs of illness such as depression, weight gain or loss and don’t wait to get help.
10. Take respite breaks often, even if their only 15 minutes. Caregiving is long hours with little downtime.

BONUS TIP:

1. Go to Federal, State, County even City websites to see if there are any programs designed to help you.  Easter Seals is                                                                                                       a good provider of programs which can provide much needed respite time with various day programs.