Caregiver Tips:

 

Take care of yourself! The better you take care of yourself the better you will be able to care for your loved one.  Eat right, exercise, don’t smoke or abuse drugs or alcohol.

 

Include your loved one in making decisions.  Remember they are an adult, and unless they are cognitively impaired, have a right to be included in the decisions regarding their life.

 

Ask for help. When people offer help, accept it.  Keep a list of tasks that others can do for you, and enlist family and friends if possible.

 

Take a break. Ask family and friends to sit with your care receiver while you go out and do something for yourself.  Inquire about formal respite services that may be available in your area.

 

Join a support group.  Support groups let you connect with other caregivers who are going through similar experiences and who may offer helpful suggestions to help you in your caregiving role.

 

For more tips and hints, call (914) 245-9167.