In all likelihood, you know a caregiver ... a person who helps an older spouse, relative, friend or neighbor so they can live in their own home ... and who does it without pay.

You yourself may be a caregiver.

No one plans to become a caregiver ... no one trains to become a caregiver ... you begin because someone you love or know needed some help.

Caregiving can involve running errands and tending to minor housekeeping tasks, and helping out now and then.

If the person you help has many needs, caregiving can turn into fifteen-hour days every bit as intensive and demanding as working in a nursing home.

The work can be fulfilling, as may be difficult and stressful.

And caregiving can endanger your health and well-being when you ignore your own needs.

Family members who become caregivers often feel that they can and should be able to “do it all.” This attitude can lead to trouble.

This leads us to the First Rule of Balance for Caregivers: You need a team to support your efforts.

It’s your job as a caregiver to piece together a team to support you and the person you care for.

Where do you begin?

Call ServiceLink, New Hampshire’s free information and supported referral service for seniors, adults with disabilities and their families!

Call toll-free: (866) 634-9412.

Internet: www.state.nh.us/servicelink. 

ServiceLink will connect you with resources and services available in your community.

You might want to investigate Visiting Nurse Services, Home Health Aides and Adult Day Care.

Caregivers who try to “do it all” sometimes injure themselves by attempting to lift the person they care for without taking proper precautions or using the right equipment.

This leads us to the Second Rule of Balance in Caregiving: You need training and proper equipment in order to deliver good care for as long as you can.

Ask ServiceLink for advice about training and home modifications.

Get in touch with the National Family Caregivers Association. They offer helpful guides and advice. Membership for caregivers in the U. S. is free.

Call toll free: (800) 896-3650.

Internet: www.nfcacares.org

If caregiving has begun to consume more and more of your time, you begin to realize that you need time off, too.

This leads us to the Third Rule of Balance for Caregivers: You and the person you care for will do better if you “have a life” outside of caregiving.

Be sure to seek out a caregiver support group ... people with similar experiences who will understand and be willing to share their caregiving knowledge.

Ask ServiceLink about Respite Grants to pay another person to substitute for you as you attend to personal business.

Finally, you might put this on your refrigerator:

I will care for myself
As I have cared for others.