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Get Informed:
Family Caregiving
What are some tips for making the role of caregiving a little easier?
One of your caregiving duties should be taking care of yourself. It's important that you let others know when you need help providing care or when you simply need a break.
Here are some of the things you should do for yourself:
- Choose to take charge of your life. Your loved one's illness or disability does not always need to take center stage.
- Remember to be good to you. Love, honor and value yourself. You have undertaken a very challenging role and you deserve some quality time just for you.
- If you think you might be depressed, seek professional help early.
- When people offer to help, accept the offer and suggest specific things they can do for you.
- 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 will lead you in the right direction.
- Grieve for your losses and then allow yourself to dream new dreams.
- Know your rights as a caregiver and as a citizen.
- Seek support from other caregivers. There is great strength in knowing you are not alone.
- Use respite care services, which can be provided in the home, at a long-term care facility and other locations. From a few hours to tend to your own affairs to several days, respite care can be provided on a voluntary basis or by a paid service.
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