Tips for Caregivers Plan Ahead. Don't wait until something happens to talk about the future with your parents or loved ones. Make sure you know where vital documents are kept, what your loved one's wishes are if an incapacitating illness occurs, and what resources are available in your community to get help should it be needed. Having a Routine is Comforting. Try to plan ahead and schedule your time, so your loved one knows what to expect and look forward to. Take Care of Yourself. This includes having a social life and considering your own needs as well as those of your loved one. Adult day care programs, like Senior Friendship Centers Living Rooms, provide stimulating and enjoyable activities for your elder, and some time for you as well. Respite care in the home may also be available. Support groups are also helpful in coping with caregiving challenges. Call (239) 275-1881 for information. Don't Isolate Yourself or Your Loved One From Others. Social interaction is important at every stage of life. If possible, go out with your loved one and do something he or she enjoys. Many caregivers have reported an unhurried visit to the supermarket offers a pleasant outing. Make sure you have the time and patience, and prepare your loved one by explaining where you're going and why. Keep in mind that both your loved one and you need to continue to participate in life, even though his or her skills are impaired. Gather the information you need: medical history, medications, insurance, financial, legal, etc., together so you know where to find it should an emergency arise.

Remember, when tensions mount, laughter is a great release.

Additional Caregiving Tips

Being a great caregiver means taking care of your loved one and yourself. ThirdAge.com on the web offers these tips for being a great caregiver:

Educate yourself before a crisis arises. Learn as much as you can about your loved one's condition and available community resources. Get support. Seek out family, neighbors and professionals to provide support when you need skills beyond your own or are in danger of burning out from stress. Find a balance between work and caregiving roles. Does your company offer elder care benefits? Ask your human resources office what support might be available. Understand that caregiving is usually for the long term. As people age, their needs change and you will need to have a flexible care plan. It's harder to let go of duties once you have assumed them. Learn to delegate now, knowing that when care becomes more complex you will need more help. Obtain legal documents. While your loved one has the capacity to express wishes, go over his or her power of attorney, trusts or will and living will. Consult with financial professionals about long-term care planning, estate matters, record keeping and banking as early as possible.

Build support networks. Reach out at work, to your family, friends and support groups. On-line chat groups and forums can also be beneficial. You are not alone. Don't try to be super human. Be realistic, accept your strengths and weaknesses. When you're doing the best you can with reliable information and good intentions that is all you can do. Your best is good enough. Stay in touch with professionals who monitor your loved one. Connect with physicians, dentists, lawyers, financial consultants, optometrists, pharmacists, social workers, clergy and others who come in contact with your loved one. They may notice significant changes you need to know about. Don't give up your own hobbies and social activities. Set limits and allow time for yourself. You don't need to do everything yourself. Learn creative problem-solving techniques. Network with other caregivers in support groups or on-line, and you'll see there is more than one simple or single answer to every problem.