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Who Provides Care for the Caregiver...While
the Caregiver's Busy Providing Care???
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Date: 1999, Sep 29
From: Valerie Fane
1. ASK FOR HELP
- Seek help from family members/friends (allow yourself at least
one hour per week for time out.
- Tell family members/friends what they can do to help (meal
preparation, chores).
- Call community organizations/utility companies/churches to
see if you are eligible for additional help (i.e. respite programs,
legal aid, entitlement programs, reduced rates).
2. TAKE CARE OF YOUR NEEDS
- Eat healthy, well-balanced meals and get plenty of rest.
- Stay in touch with your own feelings (recognize your feelings
and know why you feel as you do).
- Join a support group for caregivers.
- Schedule time for fun and relaxation.
3. EXPRESS YOUR FEELINGS
- Know that intense emotions are not uncommon in your circumstances
(it’s ok to feel the way you do).
- Explore your feelings (i.e. talk with someone about your feelings…a
minister/counselor/fellow
caregiver/friend.
4. LOOK FOR SIGNS OF BURNOUT
- Are you crying, depressed or losing your temper on a regular
basis?
- Do you find yourself using alcohol or tranquilizers to console
yourself?
- Do you find yourself misplacing items?
- Have you isolated yourself from friends?
- You never say “No” because you feel you are the
only one able to do the job right.
- There never seems to be enough time to complete all of your
tasks.
- You feel overwhelmed and secretly resent what you do.
5. EDUCATE YOURSELF
- Contact local associations related to the disease/ailment for
information.
- Learn the reasons for the difficult behavior you witness.
- Read available printed matter on the subject.
- Recognize and report behavior changes.
- Know when professional intervention is necessary.
6. GIVE YOURSELF A TREAT
- Buy yourself a bouquet of flowers.
- Get your hair done.
- Take a bubble bath.
- Go to dinner and a movie with a friend.
- Go to a concert and CALL A CARE MANAGER.
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