Page 10 - MCMcKinney Digest Guide

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For The Caregiver
As a caregiver, you may feel overwhelmed at times. Get the support you need while caring for your loved one. Check out these tips:
Educate Yourself about your loved one’s illness and how to care for them. The more you know, the more e ective caretaker you’ll be. Make a list
of tasks: medicines, treatments, meals, doctor appointments, etc.
Find Support from a counselor, other caregivers, support groups, family, friends or your place of worship. Nurture close relationships; don’t let yourself become isolated.
Use Community Services such as adult day care centers, home health aides, home-delivered meals, respite care, transportation and skilled nursing.
Take Time For Yourself
• RELAX daily & take break
• MEDITATE, pray or do what makes
you feel a part of something greater.
• WATCH FOR SIGNS OF DEPRESSION & anxiety, & get professional help.
• KEEP UP ACTIVITIES that are important to you such as hobbies or visiting with friends.
• EXERCISE, eat right & keep up with your own heatlh. Keep your own doctor appointments & notice your physical condition.
• BE REALISTIC about how much time you can give & set clear limits.
• ASK FOR HELP from friends, family members, and health professionals.
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FOR THE CAREGIVER
Managing Your Loved One’s Care From A Distance:
• Know your loved one’s doctors and arrange to be updated by PHONE or EMAIL.
• Subscribe to an ELECTRONIC ALERT SYSTEM that your loved one wears for immediate help.
• FIND LOCAL SERVICES that o er home help like meal delivery or transportation for your loved one.
• SCHEDULE DAILY CONTACT
with your loved one. An email, text, or phone call can let them know that they are not forgotten and give you some peace of mind.