RespiteMatch.com Health Blog

Some helpful tips:

Take Care of Yourself You won’t be able to provide the best care if you are always tired, sick or have frazzled nerves. Take time each day to do something for you. Even a five minute “time out” can do much to improve your outlook.

An Ounce of Prevention Can Prevent a Problem Later Check for hazards in the home which might cause you or the person you are caring for to trip or slip. A loose throw rug can be dangerous to someone using a cane, crutches or a walker.

Don’t Be Shy or Afraid to Ask for Help When people ask “Is there anything I can do?” your answer should always be yes. Friends, family and neighbors can help lesson your burden. Keep a list of things that people can help with and show that to those who offer. Ideas include: shopping, cooking a meal, going to the video store or library, calling once a week to chat whatever would support you as a caregiver.

Stock Up You never know when something might happen when you can’t get to the store or run errands. Be sure to have a supply of soups, frozen and canned goods on hand just in case. It is also a good idea to have extra supplies bandages, over-the-counter medicines, etc. just in case.

Keep Phone Numbers Handy In case of an emergency you shouldn’t need to be searching for the number of the physician, hospice, whomever. Make a list and keep it on the refrigerator. That is also a good place to put signed advance directives.
Your local hospice is a resource for people living with life-limiting illnesses or grief issues. Call your hospice if you have any questions.

More resources will be posted on our Internet site soon. Topics will include:

Self Care Management
Complementary Therapy
Financial/ Legal
Living with a Chronic Illness
Advance Care Planning