According to the National Alliance for Caregiving, more than 65 million people – almost one-third of the U.S. population – provide care for a chronically ill, disabled or aged family member or friend during any given year. This responsibility requires a great deal of time and energy. In some situations, it can become a 24-hours a day/7-days a week job. It is fitting that the theme chosen for the 2017 National Family Caregivers Month (November) is “Caregiving Around the Clock.”

Why would anyone choose a job with such a demanding schedule? Well, as most caregivers understand, many times the circumstances make the choice for you. When a loved one requires care due to an injury, physical or mental illness or age-related needs, you may be the only person available…or the only person willing…or the one with the “gift.” Certainly, love plays an important part in your accepting this position, as does a sense of responsibility, a desire to reciprocate, and maybe even a fervent belief in the Golden Rule. When a potential caregiver asks me, “What do you think I should do about Mom (or Dad, my spouse, etc.)?” I usually respond with, “How do you want to be taken care of when you can no longer take care of yourself?”

As I have said many times before, “Caregiving is not easy; but the rewards far outweigh the sacrifices.”

In the four columns this month, we will celebrate family caregivers and provide words of encouragement and ideas to assist you as you fulfill this vital role. Today I want to share  “The Top Ten Tips” for caregivers from the Caregiver Action Network website. You may want to cut these out and post them where you can remind yourself frequently of these important guidelines.

• Seek support from other caregivers. You are not alone!
• Take care of your own health so that you can be strong enough to take care of your loved one.
• Accept offers of help and suggest specific things people can do to help you.
• Learn how to communicate effectively with doctors.
• Caregiving is hard work so take respite breaks often.
• Watch out for signs of depression and don’t delay getting professional help when you need it.
• Be open to new technologies that can help you care for your loved one.
• Organize medical information so it’s up to date and easy to find.
• Make sure legal documents are in order.
• Give yourself credit for doing the best you can in one of the toughest jobs there is!