Taking care of yourself

You've been given the challenge of caring for someone you love, someone who is now is in need of care. Now what? The road you are about to embark on will be filled with a tender passion, one that may prove your limits to an extreme. But rest assured those limits will not break, as long as you find the support YOU need.

Below is a list developed by the Elliot Hospital Support Group (Manchester, NH), who meet on the third Thursday of every month, it is simply a starting point for your quest with peace. We encourage you to find a local support group and invite you visit our Online Support Community.

Take Care of Yourself! Realize that YOU are an important leg of support for your loved one. You will need your strength and energy, both physically and mentally, so make sure you attend to your well being just the same. Someone once said to me, “It’s like they say on the airplanes. Should the air masks drop; first worry about yourself, then assist those around you.” Your air mask has dropped.

Make time for yourself. Or you could find yourself over extended, feeling worn out, sick or even angry. Find time to focus on something else, lose your thoughts of responsibility if only for a few minutes each day. If you don't already have a hobby, now is the time to find one. It may even be good time to learn a new one.

Ask, Ask and Ask some more. As a caregiver, chances are you will be attending many of the doctor visits, and along with support for the one you love- you are there as a second voice and it is important that you ask the questions for the Elderly patient.

Establish lines of communication. You could be quickly overwhelmed with questions of concern from family and friends. If you start to feel overwhelmed with such concerns, some great ideas to relay new information are: Mass Emails, Utilize message boards, Leaving Recordings on your answering machine or Schedule calling times.

Tough love is a necessary evil- but you must also balance the line of understanding. In today’s complex world of Elder Care, an increasing number of responsibilities fall on Caregivers. It is important to encourage eating well, taking the time to rest, and getting exercise; never forgetting compassion in your actions.

Asking For Help. Sometimes the only assistance we may require from an individual, is seeing their caring shine through as a beacon on a dark night, but it is up us to let them do that now. Whatever the level of help you need at the moment; don’t be afraid to ask! Most people realize the difficultly of the journey before you, and are waiting to know how they can help you.

Finding the support you need! It’s often easier to share thoughts and feelings with individual outside of your personal circle; support groups are an excellent resource to meet those who have faced similar experiences. It’s a well-known fact that caregivers can benefit the same as survivors when participating in such groups.

Source: Portions of this article utilized information provided by MGH Winter 2004 Booklet (Support) and the Elliot Hospital Support Group; Elder Care A to Z does not claim to be affiliated with either organization.