Care for the Caregiver

Most of the caregivers are female; and the majority are caring for both their parents and children, all the while managing a full time job and life outside the home. Care giving can include a variety of assistance from personal care such as bathing and dressing, to medication management and managing financial and legal issues. This is a tough job. It affects physical, emotional, and mental health. Caregivers often feel isolated, unappreciated, overwhelmed, and exhausted.

Taking care of you is important. Make sure to step away from the care giving and enjoy some time to revitalize. If you fall behind in routines or become overwhelmed give yourself a break. Life happens. Sometimes you need to take small steps, trusting others to provide care in your absence. Our community has a number of excellent agencies that can support you in your care giving. Consider finding a support group, counselor, or trusted friend to share your frustrations with and problem solve. Notice what gives you comfort and pleasure (nature, time with friends, reading, and music). Set limits and learn to say, no! Let others know you need help.

Please join me for a Care Givers Resource Event on Saturday, April 20, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Willapa Valley Grange. The Grange is located at 290 Camp One Road in Raymond.

Local resources will be on hand to share their expertise with our community. This is a free event. Enjoy speakers, snacks, raffles, chair massages, and more!

In addition, these resources can support you on your journey:

AARP Caregiving Resource Center, 877-333-5885, aarp.org/caregiving

Eldercare Locator, 800-677-1116, eldercarelocator.gov

Family Caregiver Support Group, contact Eric Nessa at 360-538-2458.

Home Care Referral Registry, please call 942-2177

Parkinson’s Support Group, please contact Betsy Seidel at 360-533-5968

Olympic Area Agency on Aging, www.o3a.org

Senior Information and Assistance, 942-2177

Facebook.com/HealthMonitor and Twitter.com/HM (care giver support networking)

Learn about caregiver support online tools at HealthMonitor.com/SocialMediaTools