Full-time Caregivers Need Our Support: Here’s How

November is National Family Caregivers Month. From the experience of those close to me, being a full time caregiver is a consuming and exhausting responsibility. They need our support. Texas attorney Rania Combs offers some helpful suggestions for those close to caregivers:

The significant stress of caregiving takes a physical and emotional toll, especially during the Holidays. Caregivers are less likely to get regular checkups, exercise or take much-needed breaks, which puts them at greater risk for illness and depression.

* * *

Below [are a] few things you can do to support a friend or family member caring for someone suffering with Alzheimer’s disease:

* * *

Rather than telling the caregiver call you if they need anything, offer specific help:

• Pick up items for the caregiver at the grocery store while you’re there.
• Stop by the caregiver’s home on your way to the dry cleaners to collect items that may need to be laundered.
• Run errands for the caregiver.
• Mow the caregiver’s lawn.
• Visit as often as you’re able to help with housework.
• Sit in for the caregiver so that he or she can spend an afternoon away.

See the entire article here.

[Photo credit: Patient Care Technician]