The job of a caregiver can be rewarding and challenging, all in the same day. Continued support is a key factor to promoting a healthy, efficient relationship between a caregiver and the person they are caring for.

1. Respite, Support Systems Necessary
for Family Caregivers

2. The job of a caregiver can be rewarding and challenging, all in the
same day!

3. Adult children who take on the responsibility
of providing elder care for their aging
parents come to mind - juggling work and
your own family in addition to caring for a
parent with declining health can be quite an
undertaking.
Continued support is a key factor to
promoting a healthy, efficient relationship
between a caregiver and the person they are
caring for.

4. People who are emotionally and physically exhausted or guilt-ridden
cannot provide good care.
You may be taking care of a loved one 24 hours a day or you may be
stopping at a nursing home every day after work to visit a relative.

5. If you have multiple responsibilities you may
find yourself feeling resentful toward the
person to whom you are devoting so much
time.

6. According to the Harvard Medical School Family Health Guide, as a
caregiver, you should neither expect-nor try-to be on-call 24 hours a
day. Every caregiver needs respite and relief.

7. There are a variety of support systems available in most communities,
including but not limited to:
• Mail-carrier alert program
• Meal programs
• Home health aides
• Homemakers
• Grocery delivery services
• Occupational, speech and physical therapists
• Social workers
• Respite care caregivers
• Sitters
• Nutritionists

8. Many caregivers may also find it helpful to share the responsibility
with other members of the family.

9. Have a family pow-wow to create a game plan and write out a
schedule.
Be sure to take into consideration that different people have different
capacities (use the "20 Questions Every Family Caregiver Should Ask"
ebook to guide your planning).

10. Dividing responsibilities associated with caring for a loved
one can be beneficial in a number of ways-giving the person
receiving care an opportunity to spend time with loved ones,
allowing family members to contribute in a way that they
are comfortable with (i.e. a grandchild who is an accountant
can be responsible for her grandpa's finances), but most
importantly in giving caregivers a necessary break that all
parties involved will appreciate.

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