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Tips for Caregivers

Emergency Phone List and Medical Information

Keep important information and phone numbers accessible at all times.

Caregiving can be overwhelming, and, if you’re caring for a parent, spouse, child, or friend who is ill, you may sometimes feel alone. The following tips, though not guaranteed to erase your stress, may be helpful as you navigate the unique challenges that face caregivers.

  1. Caregiving is a job. Reward yourself with frequent breaks. For a good break, try the following.
    • Grab a box of popcorn and rent a movie.
    • Brew a cup of coffee or make hot chocolate.
    • Watch your favorite television show.
    • Go to your local library or bookstore and pick up a book to read.
    • Make your favorite meal or dessert.
    • Take a walk around the neighborhood.
    • Write in your journal.
    • Call a friend you haven’t spoken to in a while.
    • Make plans to get together with a close friend or family member.
    • Go to your local movie theater for a show.
  2. Be aware of signs of depression, and get professional help when you need it.
  3. When people offer to help you, accept the offer. You may even suggest specific tasks that they can do for you.
  4. In your role as caregiver, you will probably communicate with doctors and other health care professionals. Take steps to educate yourself about your loved one’s condition. Read a magazine article or visit websites for useful health information.
  5. Remember that there is a difference between caring for someone and trying to do everything yourself. Try to be open to new technologies and ideas that promote your loved one’s independence.
  6. Trust yourself, and trust your own instincts as a caregiver.
  7. You may do a great deal of pushing, pulling and lifting while caregiving. Take care of your back, and don’t strain yourself.
  8. Take the time to be sorry about any losses you experience as a caregiver, and then set new goals and dreams for yourself.
  9. The number of caregivers is growing all the time. Seek support from others who are experiencing the same hardships and triumphs that you are; there’s help in knowing that you are not alone.
  10. Consider advocacy: always stand up for your rights as both a caregiver and a citizen.
  11. Organization and time management are key for caregivers; it’s best to have emergency numbers, contacts, and other important phone numbers accessible at all times. Download an Emergency Phone List and Medical Information form.

Adapted from The National Family Caregivers Association website.