Family Caregivers
WHAT IS A FAMILY CAREGIVER?
A family caregiver is an unpaid person who
cares for relatives or loved ones. They may be
caring for members of their family, close friends
or neighbors.
At some point in our lives many of us will
become a family caregiver. Your caregiving
journey may be due to a sudden accident or
perhaps an illness that has reached the point that
your care is needed. Whatever the case may be,
the road ahead for you, the caregiver, and your
loved one will be smoother if you understand
the basics of good caregiving. Below you will find
the 3 Rules For Being a Good Caregiver. This will
get you started. Go to ElderCareGuide.com to
continue the journey.
RULE NUMBER 1 FOR BEING A
GOOD CAREGIVER: IT IS OK TO
ASK FOR HELP
As a matter of fact, it is the best thing you
can do for both your loved one and yourself.
Everything else is secondary. Do not feel guilty,
or like you have failed if you need assistance.
Burnout can happen if you don’t get help. One
of the greatest gifts you can give the one you are
caring for is the gift of not feeling like they are a
burden. Many times care recipients experience
guilt about receiving care. “Because of me, she
doesn’t get out and do anything fun anymore.”
If you want the one that you are caring for to be
happy, ask for help.
We Understand That
No one can take care of your loved one like you
can. YOU KNOW the “schedule” for medicines,
appointments and when the best time to eat is.
YOU KNOW how she likes her covers tucked in,
what the temperature in the house should be, or
how he likes his oatmeal. It is true that no one
will be able to do it exactly like you do, but after
awhile, if you don’t get help, you won’t be able to
do it like you used to, either.
OVERVIEW
Sources of Help
Family and Friends
Rely on your family and friends. If you have
family and friends who can and are willing to help,
then you need to spread the love and make them
a part of the care process. Ask them to do specific
things to help you. Many times people are willing
to help, but they don’t know what to do. Ask
someone to make a pan of their favorite lasagna
that mom likes so much. It will make them feel
good that they can help out. When they come
over to deliver the meal maybe everyone can sit
down and enjoy it together.
Don’t push family and friends away and tell
them you are doing fine and don’t need their
help. Even if you are doing fine at the moment,
let them help anyway. Because after awhile they
may not offer anymore. Sometimes, they don’t
even realize that you do need help, and may not
offer. Seek their help and make them a part of
the caregiving.
Government Agencies/Not-For-Profit
Advocacy Groups and Agencies
There are many programs available to caregivers
from government agencies and not-for-profit
entities. The key is to learn how to navigate the
system so that you can determine what help is
available and then figure out how to get it. For
more information on the wide array of services
and programs available go to ElderCareGuide.
com where you will find a list of local agencies
with phone numbers and links to websites.
Churches and Synagogues
During times of need there is no better place
to find comfort than your church or synagogue.
Religious organizations are perhaps one of the
largest providers of help in your community. From
spiritual and emotional guidance to volunteers
that provide companionship, food, caregiver relief
and sometimes even financial assistance, many
of your needs as a caregiver can be found at local
churches and synagogues.
www.ElderCareGuide.com 77
/ElderCareGuide.com
/www.ElderCareGuide.com
