Family Caregivers
You and your loved one will appreciate someone
different to talk to and look at!
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. Caregiving is one of the most
loving acts that anyone can ever do. You will grow
and love more than you ever thought you could.
Your family members deserve to experience this
level of love as well. Don’t deprive them by not
asking for help. If they are not accommodating,
it is there loss.
Government Agencies/Not-For-Profit
Advocacy Groups and Agencies
There are many programs available to
caregivers from government agencies and notfor
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
PolkElderCare.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. Call your church
or synagogue to see what services are available.
They, and you, will be glad you did.
You can find phone numbers and websites in
The Resources and Support section in back of
this guide and even more detailed information
on our website at PolkElderCare.com.
RULE NUMBER 2 FOR BEING A
GOOD CAREGIVER: TAKE CARE
OF YOURSELF
Taking care of yourself is the best thing you
can do not only for yourself, but for the one you
are caring for as well. It is understandable that
you might feel there is no way you can do what
is suggested here because you “don’t have the
time or you are just too tired.” But the reality is
if you don’t take care of yourself, in the long run
you won’t be able to properly care of your loved
one either.
Get Enough Sleep
Sleep is a very important part to good health.
Sleep when they sleep, even if it is sporadic, it is
beneficial.
Eat Right and Take Your Vitamins
You have heard that before. Just like an athlete
you must fuel your body with the right foods and
nutrients in order to compete, and in your case,
to provide care.
Get Physical Exercise
Find 30 minutes a day for some form of
physical exercise. You may wonder how, as tired
you are, you will find the strength to exercise. The
fact is that moderate exercise will do wonders
for giving you more energy, reducing stress and
improving your overall health. Find some form of
exercise that you like. Do not do something that
you dread. You will end up quitting.
Find an Activity
Find something you like to do for enjoyment.
Do anything that makes you happy. Reading,
yoga, crosswords, gardening and crocheting are all
great things to do by yourself at home while you
are taking care of your loved one. You also need
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