Working Caregivers:

As fraility increases, the amount of personal care needed also grows. The type and amount of care will also vary with the type of disease or disability, that is, someone with Alzheimer's disease will have different needs than someone with cancer, for example.

Caregiving is an act of love -- with consequences. Women have historically been presumed to be responsible for the well-being of their family members. In recent years, however, sons and male spouses  have taken an increasingly active role as caregivers as well.
 
An important part of being a successful caregiver is remembering to take care of yourself. To provide effective care, you need to maintain your own health.

Neglecting yourself can have long-term consequences, not only for you, but for the person who needs your care. Adequate sleep and exercise, plus nutritious meals, are essential to your own well-being. Remember that the better care you take of your own health and emotions, the more you will be able to come through for the elderly person who needs you.

Taking time for yourself is also essential to your well-being. Helping an elderly person should not mean giving up all of your activities and relationships with other people. Give yourself a break from your caregiving activities by getting outside help.

Caregiver stress can result in fatigue and health problems for the caregiver. It does not help the elder needing care to have their family caregiver become ill. Hire someone to stay with your elderly relative so that you can go out for lunch, go shopping or see a movie.  Take extended breaks, a vacation or simply get some regularly scheduled rest and relaxation.

Too frequently, caregivers are unwilling to ask for help because they think it may be a sign of inadequacy.

You need to set limits on what you will do. You cannot be expected to do it all. Other family members, even if they don't live nearby, can make a contribution. Community resources are available to help with many aspects of caregiving.

PREVENTING CAREGIVER BURNOUT

• 61% of caregivers spend 40 hours or MORE each week providing care
  
  
• 7 million people provide care to someone aged 55 or older living at least 1 hour away
  
  
• Family caregivers are responsible for coordinating care including physician visits, transportation, monitoring medications, respite care workers etc.
  
  
• Caregivers say that their greatest needs are emotional support
  
  
• 58% of caregivers show symptoms of clinical depression
  
  
• About 34% of caregivers say that they get no help from family or friends
  
  
• Nearly 1 in 5 caregivers quit their jobs