WHO PROVIDES CARE FOR THE CAREGIVER...WHILE THE CAREGIVER'S BUSY PROVIDING CARE? 

ASK FOR HELP


Seek help from others; allow yourself at least four hours per week for respite

Tell family members and friends what they can do to help (meal preparation, chores, shopping) 

TAKE CARE OF YOUR NEEDS 


Eat healthy, well-balanced meals and get plenty of rest 
Join a support group for caregivers 
Schedule time for fun and relaxation 

EXPRESS YOUR FEELINGS 


Know that intense emotions are not uncommon in your circumstances, it's okay to feel the way you do 
Explore your feelings, talk to a counselor, minister, fellow caregiver, friend, family 

LOOK FOR SIGNS OF BURNOUT 


Are you crying, depressed or losing your temper on a regular basis? 
Do you find yourself using alcohol or tranquilizers to console yourself? 
Do you find yourself misplacing items? 
Have you isolated yourself from friends? 
You never say "no" because you feel you are the only one able to do the job right? 
There never seems to be enough time to complete all of your tasks? 
You feel overwhelmed and secretly resent what you do or have feelings of guilt 
You are embarrassed by your loved one's behaviors 

EDUCATE YOURSELF 


Get information about the disease 
Learn the reasons for the difficult behavior you witness 
Recognize and report changes in behavior 
Know when professional intervention is necessary 
Understand there may be a reversal of roles from parent/child to child/parent 

GIVE YOURSELF A TREAT 

Buy yourself a bouquet of flowers 
Get your hair done 
Take a bubble bath 
Have an ice cream or snow cone 
Go to dinner and a movie with a friend 

tam.cummings@gmail.com 
512 - 415 - 4359