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1. ASK FOR HELP
- Seek help from family members/friends(allow
yourself at least one hour per week for time out.
- Tell family members/friends what they
can do to help (meal preparation, chores).
- Call community organizations/utility
companies/churches to see if you are eligible for additional
help (i.e. respite programs, legal aid, entitlement programs,
reduced rates).
2. TAKE CARE OF YOUR NEEDS
- Eat healthy, well-balanced meals and
get plenty of rest.
- Stay in touch with your own feelings
(recognize your feelings and know why you feel as you
do).
- Join a support group for caregivers.
- Schedule time for fun and relaxation.
3. EXPRESS YOUR FEELINGS
- Know that intense emotions are not uncommon
in your circumstances (it’s ok to feel the way you do).
- Explore your feelings (i.e. talk with
someone about your feelings…a minister/counselor/fellow
caregiver/friend.
4. 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.
5. EDUCATE YOURSELF
- Contact local associations related to
the disease/ailment for information.
- Learn the reasons for the difficult behavior
you witness.
- Read available printed matter on the
subject.
- Recognize and report behavior changes.
- Know when professional intervention is
necessary.
6. GIVE YOURSELF A TREAT
- Buy yourself a bouquet of flowers.
- Get your hair done.
- Take a bubble bath.
- Go to dinner and a movie with a friend.
- Go to a concert and CALL A CARE MANAGER.
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