Keep On Keeping On

The National Family Caregivers Association offers these 10 tips to help you get from today to tomorrow and from this moment to the next:

Reward yourself. Caregiving is a job and respite is your earned right. Take respite breaks often.

Watch out. Keep an eye open for signs of depression, and don't delay in getting professional help to prevent it and deal with it.

Accept offers of assistance. When people ofer to help, accept the offer and suggest specific things that they can do.

Educate yourself. Learn about your loved one's condition and how to communicate effectively with doctors.

Be open. Accept what new technologies and ideas can do to promote your loved one's independence. There's a difference between caring and doing.

Trust your instincts. Most of the time, they'll lead you in the right direction.

Be good to your back. Learn to lift, push and pull in ways that will not cause you strain or injury.

Dream new dreams. Grieve for your losses, but do not lose sight of future possibilities.

Seek support. Other caregivers are a great resource, so make use of them. There is great strength in knowing you are not alone.

Stand up for your rights. As both a citizen and a caregiver, it is how help can come your way.

http://www.caringtoday.com/get-basic-caregiving/keep-on-keeping-on