Seek Help with Caregiving Duties (Part 3)

Friends, relatives, neighbors, and people in your local congregation of faith can be a great source of help with caregiving. As I stated in an earlier post, my friends and the few family members in the area are unable to help much. A member of my church recently volunteered to fill in the gap. What a difference her help made!

This sweet lady read to my mother and played bingo with her. She even washed dishes and helped tend to Mom’s personal needs.

We caregivers sometimes are reluctant to share our burdens with others. At times this reluctance is based on an unreasonable belief that we must shield the patient from scrutiny by others. At some point we must let go of our pride and apprehension.

According to the Alzheimer’s Association and various medical journals, caregivers have an increased rate of depression, and often die before the patients they serve. Caregivers with chronic illnesses are especially vulnerable.

Now that you are aware of additional resources, you can begin to care for yourself before there is no one left to care for your loved one.