This month, the National Family Caregiver Association coordinates National Family Caregivers Month as a time to thank, support, educate and empower family caregivers. Celebrating family caregivers during NFC month enables all of us to:

* Raise awareness of family caregiver issues,

* Celebrate the efforts of family caregivers,

* Educate family caregivers about self-identification,

* Increase support for family caregivers.

The demands of caregiving can be overwhelming, especially if you feel you have little control over the situation or you are in over your head. If you let stress progress to burnout, it can damage both your physical and mental health. It is essential you get the support you need. The good news is you are not alone. Help for caregivers is available through in-home care agencies, such as Alliance Senior Care.

Providing care for a family member in need is a centuries-old act of kindness, love and loyalty. And as life expectancies increase and medical treatments advance, more and more will participate in the process, either as a caregiver, the recipient, or possibly both.

Unfortunately, caregiving can take a heavy toll if you don’t get adequate support. Caregiving involves many stressors: changes in the family dynamic, household disruption, financial pressure and the sheer volume of work involved. The rewards of caregiving — if they come at all — are intangible, far off and often there is no hope for a happy outcome.

As the stress piles up, frustration and despair can take hold and burnout becomes a very real danger. But you can prevent caregiver burnout by following a few essential guidelines:

* Learn as much as you can about your family member’s illness and how to be a caregiver.

* The more you know the more effective you’ll be and the better you’ll feel about your efforts.

* Know your limits. Be realistic about how much of your time and yourself you can give. Set clear limits and communicate them to doctors, family members and others involved.

* Accept your feelings. Caregiving can trigger a host of difficult emotions, including anger, fear, resentment, guilt, helplessness, and grief. As long as you don’t compromise the well- being of the care receiver, allow yourself to feel what you feel.

* Confide in others. Talk to people about what you feel; don’t keep your emotions bottled up.

* Caregiver support groups are invaluable, but trusted friends and family members can help too. You may also benefit from seeing a therapist or counselor.

* Caregiving is a job and respite is your earned right; reward yourself with breaks.

* Watch out for signs of depression and don’t delay in getting professional help when you need it.

* When people offer to help, accept it and suggest specific things they can do.

* Educate yourself about your loved one’s condition and how to communicate effectively with doctors.

* There’s a difference between caring and doing. Be open to technologies and ideas that promote your loved one’s independence.

* Trust your instincts; most of the time they’ll lead you in the right direction.

* Caregivers often do a lot of lifting, pushing and pulling. Be good to your back.

* Grieve your losses and allow yourself to dream new dreams.

* Seek support from other caregivers. There is great strength in knowing you are not alone.

Once you burn out, caregiving is no longer a healthy option for either you or the person you’re caring for. It’s important to watch for the warning signs of burnout and take action right away when you recognize the problem.

Common warning signs of caregiver burnout:

* You have much less energy.

* It seems like you catch every cold or flu that’s going around.

* You’re constantly exhausted, even after sleeping or taking a break.

* You neglect your own needs, either because you’re too busy or you don’t care anymore.

* Your life revolves around caregiving, but it gives you little satisfaction.

* You have trouble relaxing, even when help is available.

* You’re increasingly impatient and irritable with the person you’re caring for.

* You feel overwhelmed, helpless and hopeless.

The first strategy for preventing caregiver burnout is: Don’t try to do it alone. Taking on all of the responsibilities of caregiving without regular breaks or assistance is a surefire recipe for burnout. Ask for help when you need it. Enlist friends and family who live nearby to run errands, bring over a hot meal, or stay with your loved one so you can take a break. You can also turn to your community for programs such as respite care, home-delivered meals and transportation services.  There are also qualified in-home care services, such as Alliance Senior Care, serving Oakland, Wayne and Macomb Counties.

When you are a caregiver, finding time to nurture yourself might seem impossible, but you owe it to yourself to find the time. Without it, you may not have the mental or physical strength to deal with all of the stress. Give yourself permission to rest and to do things that you enjoy on a daily basis.  You will be a better caregiver for it.

For more information, or for an in-home consultation, please contact Alliance Senior Care at 248.274.2170. . .serving Oakland, Wayne & Macomb Counties.