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You Are Not Alone

Do you manage the health care of your parent who lives down the street, care for your disabled spouse or child who lives with you, or manage the finances of your elderly relative who lives many miles away? Family caregiving is a challenging role, and it can be very rewarding, too.

Sometimes the challenges of caregiving can outweigh the rewards, but it’s possible to reduce the challenges so you and your loved one can both be as happy and healthy as possible.

The role of a family caregiver can be part-time or full-time, and can include:

Providing 24-hour-a-day care, including help with bathing, dressing, and other activities of daily living (often referred to as ADLs)
Managing legal and financial affairs
Shopping or cleaning
Cooking or doing laundry
Supervising people who provide direct care
Arranging for social activities
Providing transportation
Attending medical appointments or communicating with health care providers to ensure the best health care for your family member

No matter how much care you provide, it’s good to ask for help in providing this care.

Getting help is good for everyone:

It provides variety for the care receiver.
It gives others a chance to feel good about helping.
And taking good care of yourself means you’ll be a better caregiver.

Where to find help?

Ask family members and friends to pitch in. Even if they have other responsibilities, they can do something--like spend time visiting or reading to the person who’s disabled, which gives you a break to go out by yourself or see a friend. Be specific about what you need.

Some religious congregations have volunteers who will visit people who are elderly and disabled. They sometimes provide transportation to religious services.

Please call the Senior Information & Assistance office closest to you for more information.