Caring for the Caregiver: Practical ways of helping you care for a person with memory loss and confusion-helping you help others. Tips for caregivers.

Caring for a person with memory loss and confusion can be stressful and exhausting. These tips can help you find the support you need.

1. Ask for Help:

*Ask a friend to fix dinner or a relative to help out for an hour each week.

*Make a list of ways others can help. When a friend asks, “What can I do?” have them choose from a list.

*Don’t wait for a crisis. Ask for and accept help on a regular basis.

*Even if asking is hard, find at least one resource you can use right away.

2. Express your feelings:

*Recognize that feelings of frustration, sadness, anger and depression are normal under the circumstances.

*Talk about your feelings with a friend, relative, counselor or caregiver support group.

3. Take care of your health:

*Make sure you are eating a healthy diet, getting regular physical activity and getting plenty of rest.

*Learn and use stress reduction techniques.

*Don’t put off your own medical care. Talk with your doctor about getting flu shots and other preventive care.

4. Learn about the disease:

*Find out about the different forms and stages of dementia so that you are not taken by surprise when new behaviors occur.

*If you can, provide information to family and friends so they will know how to best to support you.

5. Avoid Isolation:

*Pursue a hobby or take a class. Join a reading or discussion group.

*Become active in a community organization.

6. Talk with professionals:

*Contact a social worker or your local social services agency to help you find out about caregiving resources.

*Talk with an attorney or legal aid service about legal issues. Many areas have free or low-cost legal aid available.

*Talk with an accountant about finances.

*Find a counselor or therapist to help you deal with your feelings.

7. Look for signs of burnout:

*Not taking care of your own health, feeling lonely, crying or losing your temper more than usual are all signs that you may need some help.

*Take an honest look at your use of sedatives and alcohol. Have a doctor or counselor help you evaluate your use.

*Find someone to talk to if you feel discouraged, frustrated, trapped or over-burdened.

*Seek professional help if you are depressed or thinking about suicide.

8. Give yourself a treat:

*Buy yourself a present such as a favorite magazine or new clothes.

*Watch a sunset.

*Put your feet up and listen to a symphony or a ball game on the radio.

*Order dinner from your favorite restaurant and have it delivered.

*Buy yourself flowers.

9. Take time for yourself:

*Consider using respite care, homecare or adult day care.

*Schedule regular time for yourself. Plan to spend an hour each day or an afternoon once a week away from caregiving.

*Consider taking a vacation.

*If time or money is a concern, be creative! Ask for help from friends or relatives and use community services. You are worth it!

*Remember, you will be better able to care for another if you take time for yourself.

10. Investigate local services:

*Find out if meals are delivered to seniors or home-bound people in your area.

*Contact your local senior center to help you find resources.

*Find out about assisted living facilities. Even if you do not want to use one now, you may need to in the future.

Disclaimer: this information was taken directly from the Journeyworks Publishing pamphlet written by Mardi Richmond. The information is helpful to all caregiver and please look at Journeyworks other pamphlets. They are a huge source of information and advice on helping caregivers. These pamphlets are available in most  Nursing facilities.