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Keeping Your Spirits Up
Recognizing and Avoiding Depression
By Kelly Burgess
Shirley Cohen agrees, and her mission is to offer concrete strategies for how caregivers can find the help they need. Cohen, founder of Home Sweet Home Care, a home care agency in the San Francisco Bay Area, says the first thing to do is make a list of some things other people could do for you or your loved one. This may include shopping, running errands, cleaning, sitting with your relative for an hour or two, helping with laundry, etc. Carry the list with you, and when someone asks, "Is there anything I can do to help?" get the list out and give them a job. They may never ask again, but more likely they'll realize how important they are in your life and be willing to help even more.
Having friends, relatives and neighbors help you in this way can be a real relief. However, it's important to also check out local respite, government and social services. There may be free or low-cost respite care available. Hospitals often offer free social services to those who are leaving the hospital after an illness. Checking into these areas is a task that an out-of-town sibling, child or other relative can take on for you. Put it on the list.
Furthermore, Mintz says, remember that caregiving is a relationship, and in a relationship, everyone has rights and needs. Because you're in it for the long haul, it's even more important to make sure you balance your needs with your loved one's needs.
