Caregiving Tips

Taking breaks-making time to focus on you is very important. You can schedule a certain day/time or take time when you have the opportunity. Spend the time with family or friends, do a hobby you enjoy or just having quiet time alone is fine too.
Prioritize- housekeeping, rest and exercise. Creating a healthy balance between caring for your loved one and caring for yourself.
Support group- finding a place you can talk about your feelings and share experience and feed back with other caregivers.
Accept support from others- know when to ask for help and accept help from those who offer.
Focus on the positive- try to begin each day with a positive outlook and reflect on the day; try to think of one good moment in the day.
Be flexible with your expectations or set new ones that you can achieve.
Talk about things you enjoy, try not to always talk about care giving.
Humor-find something to laugh about; keeping your sense of humor is important.

When you feel good enough just doesn't feel good enough.
When the feeling of enduring all tasks and responsibilities alone.
When you feel the idea of respite, even for a brief moment does not exist.
Providing care to your loved one is a major part of your daily routine or takes your entire day.
Family relationships start to feel stressful and there is tension due to pressure of care giving
Caregiving is interfering with your personal, social and work life
You feel that you are doing everything, not allowing anyone in to assist or help.
Refusing to focus on you for fear of feeling selfish.
Destructive coping mechanisms-such as over/under eating, taking it out on loved ones, using drugs or alcohol.
Happy times do not exist for you, resentment and exhaustion have taken over and you no longer feel good about yourself or what you are doing.

Information about services we offer, including support group days and times.
Educational training in techniques such as transfers, nutrition, dressing, etc.
Trained volunteers to offer support and respite to you and your loved one.
Assistance with making decisions regarding health care, advance directives, Power of Attorney.
A safe place to express your feeling about caring for your loved one, through private counseling or support groups.
Assistance with finding other resources within the community that can provide support.
A supportive, trusting environment for you, your family and your loved ones.