Choose to take charge of your life, and don't let your loved
one's illness or disability always take center stage.
Remember to be good to yourself. Love, honor, and value
yourself. You're doing a very hard job and you deserve some
quality time, just for you.
Watch out for signs of depression, and don't delay in getting
professional help when you need it.
When people offer to help, accept the offer and suggest
specific things that they can do.
Educate yourself about your loved one's condition. Information
is empowering.
There's a difference between caring and doing. Be open to
technologies and ideas that promote your loved one's
independence.
Trust your instincts. Most of the time they'll lead you in the
right direction.
Grieve for your losses, and then allow yourself to dream new
dreams.
Stand up for your rights as a caregiver and a citizen.
Seek support from other caregivers. There is great strength in
knowing you are not alone.
Reprinted from the National Family Caregivers
Association's (NFCA) website with permission of the National Family
Caregivers Association, Kensington, MD, the nation's only organization
for all family caregivers, 1-800-896-3650;
www.nfcacares.org.