Chapther 10
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QUESTION CHECKLIST

Are you aware of the health problems caregivers’ experience?

Have you eliminated exercise from your routine?

• Have you postponed your own medical appointments or medical needs in order to care for your loved one?
• Do you use alcohol, tobacco or medications to cope with depression?

Are you taking care of yourself as a caregiver?

• What strategies are you using to restore and maintain your health and your sense of well-being?
• Have you enrolled in a health, detox or wellness program yet?
• Are you getting proper rest daily?
• Every day are you keeping on top of your health, fitness and appearance?
• Are you taking advantage of respite opportunities?

Have you reached out for help?

• Have you contacted caregivers, organizations and trained professionals that can assist you?
• Are you afraid to ask for assistance?
• Are you willing to accept the help you need? Remember, you are not alone on this journey.

Have you identified your stressors—have you eliminated them?

• What is you action plan to eliminate your stressors?What actions are you willing to take to help change your situation and eliminate your stressors?
• Have you taken the time to write down what your stressors are so you can make corrective changes? Move forward with therapy
• Have you found a professional therapist who specializes in senior care and caregiver support?
• Do you belong to an uplifting caregiver support group?
• Are you willing to share your caregiving experience?

 Avoiding burnout

• Do you know you can avoid the frustration, despair and burnout associated with caregiving if you successfully adopt positive coping mechanisms?
• Learn how to embrace your feelings instead of running from them. Have you educated yourself as much as possible about your aging loved one’s condition so that you won’t experience the added stress of not knowing what needs to be done
• Do you know your limits and how much you can realistically handle as a caregiver?
• Have you asked for help if you feel you are going beyond your limits?
• Are you aware of the caregiver support groups and community services in your area?

Get respite care

• Have you considered respite care for yourself?
• Are you aware of the benefits respite care offers?
• Do you know that respite care will provide you a shortterm break from your caregiving role? (Read more……)

Age 58 — Work everyday on your Spiritual, Emotional, & Physical Wellness — And remember, It’s All About Your Journery!  Read “The Caregiver’s Companion” and experience ………….

 The Caregiver’s Companion — Why Wait?

Everything you need to know to ensure that your elderly loved one is being properly cared for — while taking care of yourself.

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