ASK FOR HELP

• Seek help from others; allow yourself at least four hours per week for respite
  
• Tell family members and friends what they can do to help (meal preparation, chores, shopping)

TAKE CARE OF YOUR NEEDS

• Eat healthy, well-balanced meals and get plenty of rest
• Join a support group for caregivers
• Schedule time for fun and relaxation

EXPRESS YOUR FEELINGS

• Know that intense emotions are not uncommon in your circumstances, it's okay to feel the way you do
• Explore your feelings, talk to a counselor, minister, fellow caregiver, friend, family

LOOK FOR SIGNS OF BURNOUT

• Are you crying, depressed or losing your temper on a regular basis?
• Do you find yourself using alcohol or tranquilizers to console yourself?
• Do you find yourself misplacing items?
• Have you isolated yourself from friends?
• You never say "no" because you feel you are the only one able to do the job right?
• There never seems to be enough time to complete all of your tasks?
• You feel overwhelmed and secretly resent what you do or have feelings of guilt
• You are embarrassed by your loved one's behaviors

EDUCATE YOURSELF

• Get information about the disease
• Learn the reasons for the difficult behavior you witness
• Recognize and report changes in behavior
• Know when professional intervention is necessary
• Understand there may be a reversal of roles from parent/child to child/parent

GIVE YOURSELF A TREAT

• Buy yourself a bouquet of flowers
• Get your hair done
• Take a bubble bath
• Have an ice cream or snow cone
• Go to dinner and a movie with a friend