Time Management

An important aspect of being sucessful at being a caregiver is to effectively manage your time. Make certain that you have a good calendar/datebook. There are also a number of very good software programs for your computer as well.

You'll need to keep track of your loved one's doctor appointments (besides all your own appointments!). Even if you are caring for a parent who is living independently still, you should still keep a copy of their medical appointments. If you are able to attend appointments with them that is a good idea. Very often when people are in a doctor's office they are nervous and they don't remember to ask pertinent questions or to write down what the doctor tells them. Another set of listening ears can be a real benefit. And do bring a notebook to all doctor appointments.

Do stop trying to be Super Human. If you don't have older children of your own then hire a neighborhood teen to mow your lawn. See if your local grocery store delivers groceries. You can check http://PeaPod.com to see if they are available in your area. It's a great service and will save you a great deal of time each week.

Remember if you have children or siblings that you should ask for help when you need it.

Check local nursing homes, assisted living or retirement communities to see if they have respite care available for an overnight or so you can take a vacation without worryng about your family member. There is also a growing number of adult foster care families. Contact your local Council on Aging or Senior Center to speak with their outreach worker to help you find what services are available to you.

Do take care of yourself. This seems to be the hardest thing for every caregiver to do. But nothing could be more important than you taking care of yourself. If you become incapacitated who will take care of your loved one? So get regular physicals, and also take the time to spend with your friends and other family members as often as you can. Perhaps just a dinner and movie out will be enough of a break that you can return home refreshed. And maintaining those relationships in your life is important. If you isolate yourself from your friends then it becomes ery difficult after your loved ones death to resume your relationship on the same level.