When you step into the caregiver role, you should understand it can get stressful, and if you don’t take care of yourself your job will get even more complicated. “The Caregiver’s Guide to SelfCare: Help for Your Caregiving Journey”, by Jane Hamilton is available in bookstores and libraries. It is one way to delve into understanding the causes of caregiver stress, and the toll it can take.

Also, resources like the Family Caregiver Alliance , Alzheimer’s Association, AARP, the Administration for Community Living can guide you to support and materials to help you understand the caregiving situation you face and what step you might take. Think about the care recipient’s age and situation. It could be you, a child, a parent, a grandparent, a sibling, a spouse or a friend. Each will face different situations, and the demands on your time, finances, and mental or physical health can differ significantly.

Caregiving is a team effort. Identify your support among family, your friends, friends of the care recipient, local resources. Determine where to get more help as needed, how to pay for that help, or get paid for caregiving. All are all part of that team building process.