The Caregiving Life: Fast tips for supporting YOU

-excerpted or adapted from Taking Care of YOU: Self-Care for Family Caregivers (Family Caregiver Alliance),the Family Caregiver Handbook (Washington State Dept. of Social and Health Services, Aging & Long Term Services Administration) and AARP.

Caregiver Tip #1, “Asking for help”: Make a short list of specific tasks you want help with. When someone says “Can I help?” let them pick from the list! Get more tips on help.

Caregiver Tip #2,“Communication is key”: Care for yourself by speaking directly to the person you care for about your needs and feelings. Use “I” language to express yourself and be a good listener as they respond. More tips on communication.

Caregiver Tip #3, “We can’t control everything!”: Want more control in your life as a family caregiver? We can’t control everything! Learn about thoughts and ideas that may get in your way.

Caregiver Tip #4, “Steps for seeking solutions”: Do caregiving problems seem to have no answers? Use different points of view and a step-by-step process to make finding solutions easier.

Caregiver Tip #5, “Why is Dad So Angry All the Time?”: If it’s not a medical issue, anger can be the result of anxiety and frustration. When it happens, you can be prepared. Learn more about responding to angry behavior.

Caregiver Tip #6, Help for the Holidays! -Advice from helpful sites and organizations-a holiday gift to yourself!