Balancing Act: Managing Caregiver Responsibilities and Self-Care

There are steps you can take to avoid or reverse caregiver exhaustion. Remember: taking care of yourself is taking care of the person who relies on you. Try some of these ideas based on the experiences of many caregivers like yourself.

• Share decision making: As long as the person you are caring for can acknowledge and understand your discussion, involve them in the decisions that go along with care. Try to be active partners. It will help them retain a sense of independence, while taking some of the burden from you.
• Remember your needs: You need time to get away from your role as caregiver, to relax and to get additional support. These needs may create feelings of conflict or guilt, but please remember: You are taking care of the person who needs you by taking care of yourself.
• Anticipate needs: The earlier you discuss needs, the more time you have to explore possibilities. Then, you will feel better about the choices you need to make in the future.
• Understand what you're managing: Gather information about the specific disease or conditions of the person you’re caring for. The more you know, the better you’ll be able to plan for the future.
• Involve others: Ask other family members and friends for help. People usually are willing and pleased to be asked. They just may not volunteer. Consider a family meeting to brainstorm ideas and consider ways to share responsibilities.
• Talk: Share with someone outside the family about your reactions to caregiving. Use a friend who isn’t close to the situation as a sounding-board.
• Be flexible: Just when you think you are in control, something will change. Being thrown off balance is frustrating. Try to be ready for change.