continue living as independently as possible. You can help the
personstayorganizedwith sharedcalendars, notes,medication
schedules and other reminder systems. Caregivers must learn
to trust their intuitive feelings and when the situation calls
for immediate action, do it. Establishing a daily routine and
maintaining some regularity will be of benefit.
The person also will need emotional support. He or
she may feel frustrated, anxious, embarrassed or isolated.
You can help by:
• Encouraging the person to share his or her feelings, and asking
how you can be supportive
• Encouraging the person to stay involved in activities he or she
enjoys
• Helping the person find local support groups for people living
with mental illness
• Joining organizations like NAMI which offer support and
education to the individual with the mental illness and to their
families or caregivers
As a care partner, you alsowill go throughmany emotions.
Know that you are not alone. Being part of a community of
people going through similar experiences can provide you with
support, hope and information. Organizations, like NAMI
Howard County offers a number of support groups throughout
the community for parents and familymembers. We encourage
you to attend as needed and get the support you need.
Consider creating a caregiver self-care plan for the
caregiver. The self-care plan is a written document to remind
the caregiver of different options for self-help. The most
important thing to remember as a caregiver is to take care
of YOURSELF. It’s important to know the signs of caregiver
stress: health problems, fatigue, guilt, insomnia, loss of
concentration, irritability, anger, depression, anxiety and
denial of problems and then DO something about it.
Some complementary or alternative therapies like
aromatherapy, art therapy, massage therapy, music therapy
and yoga are a few types of therapies that can help you
manage your stress, as well as reduce pain, anger, anxiety,
and even depression. There are others. Choose one or
more that is right for you. Whether relaxing muscles and
reducing inflammations, or improving strength, balance and
mobility, or getting a more restful sleep...these are all critical
ingredients of self-care that will help you protect your own
emotional and physical health.
And, remember that each caregiving situation is unique
– no two caregivers will experience the same circumstances
or transitions. There is no single way of caring. With the
right information, resources, and support you will be able to
care for your loved one and yourself in the best way possible.
Importantly, always remember that your caregiving is a gift –
one of the greatest gifts you can ever give to the one you care
for; a gift to be proud of and to cherish.
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