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Know your limits

Caregivers can only do so much.

Many caregivers are related to the people they are caring for. It may be a husband taking care of his injured wife, or a daughter caring for her terminally ill mother. Even when the two are not related, an emotional bond often forms between the caregiver and the patient. The emotional strain on the caregiver can be traumatizing. In cases when ailments result in death ñ as is the case with Alzheimerís ñ the caregiver will eventually be forced to cope with the loss of the patient.

Caregivers spend so much time giving to their patients that they often forget to take care of themselves. Earlier, we talked about the need for caregivers to pinpoint resources and support groups. There are other things caregivers should do to maintain a healthy lifestyle:

- Visit the doctor: Caregivers should visit the doctor for regular checkups. People who live stressful lives are more likely to develop health problems. Also, people who pay so close attention to other people may not be aware of changes in their own bodies.

- Be careful of depression: In addition to caregiver support groups, caregivers may want to consider regularly scheduled visits with mental health professionals. Being able to talk about their stressful experiences can greatly reduce the chances of clinical depression.

- Take a breather: Caregivers must live for themselves. This means occasional free time to help unwind.

- Seek other help: Caregivers donít have to do everything on their own. Other organizations or caregiving services can help alleviate the day-to-day workload.

- Be healthy: Avoid smoking, drinking or any other behavior that is self-destructive to the body. Eating a well-balanced diet and exercising promotes good physical and mental health.

- Maintain a hobby: Even if itís something small ñ such as reading, drawing or working in the garden ñ caregivers should have something to look forward to thatís not associated with stress or illness.

Family counseling: People who have never been caregivers may not completely understand the psychological side effects that come with the job. Family counseling encourages communication among loved ones and can relieve tension in an objective, controlled setting.