your work ethic or your generosity. A list of weaknesses might include a lack of knowledge about healthcare. (If it does, don’t worry. You’ll get up to speed.)
Opportunities might include other close relatives who are willing to help out or a new retirement community opening up down the road. Limited finances and time crunches are common threats. Putting these issues in writing – and updating them as your situation changes – can help you keep a clear perspective on your job.
When taking stock of available opportunities, be sure to check out the caregiver support services available in your area. Meals on Wheels, adult day care, home health care agencies, and other programs can make your job much easier. To learn about services near you, contact your local Agency on Aging or go to http://www.eldercare.gov.
If you have close family members living nearby, don’t hesitate to ask for help. You may have to try more than once, and you may have to be detailed and specific. In a diplomatic way, tell your brother or sister exactly what needs to be done. And tell them that you can’t do everything, a truth that all caregivers eventually have to discover.
Caring for yourself
As a dedicated caregiver, it’s easy to push yourself too hard and stretch yourself too thin. If you’re not careful, the strain can take a serious toll on your health. Various surveys have found that roughly half of all caregivers suffer from clinical depression. As reported by the Family Caregiver Alliance, the mortality rate for stressed-out caregivers is 63 percent higher than it is for non-caregivers of the same age.
If you don’t find a way to care for