Almost one-quarter of American households provide care to a relative or friend over 50. If you are among them, try these tips:
Take care of yourself first. Then you’re better able to care for others. Express your feelings, exercise, eat well, take time out.
- Set realistic expectations. Make plans that are achievable.
- Establish your limits. Make clear boundaries and stick to them.
- Ask for and accept help. Don’t try to do it all! Let others assist you.
- Involve other people. Hold a family conference, get professional guidance, use community resources, browse the internet to connect with people in similar situations.
- Check out these online resources,
www.oregon.gov/DHS/spwpd/caregiving/resources.shtml
http://assets.aarp.org/www.aarp.org_/cs/misc/or_caregiving_workplace_guide.pdf
www.aarp.org/family/caregiving/
- Sally Bowman, Professor, Extension Family Specialist, and Brandi Hall, OSU Gerontology Conference Coordinator.
