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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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