We at Evergreen Washelli would like to express our utmost gratitude to those caregivers and careworkers who strive to support those individuals who benefit from their services. Caregivers enable and enrich the lives of those to whom they devote their care.

Here are some tips for caregivers and care-receivers:

For Caregivers
• Be creative. If your first solution doesn’t work, find a new one and try again.
• Get reliable information about your care-recipient’s illness and be aware of any emotional issues.
• Plan ahead. Don’t wait for a crisis.
• Don’t panic.
• Learn about your role as a caregiver and improve your skills.
• Practice new coping strategies for the particular challenges you face in caring for your loved one.
• Find your family’s strengths and work together.
• Accept offers of informal support from your family, friends, and community.
• Respect yourself and set limits.
• Take care of yourself with rest, good nutrition, exercise, and some time off.
• Access the formal support of social services in your community.

For Care-receivers
• Forgive others… and yourself.
• Don’t waste your time or energy on things that don’t matter.
• Continue to make happy memories with you loved ones.
• Accept the fact that life isn’t fair.
• Take care of yourself: rest, eat properly, and get some exercise when you are able.
• Thank your caregivers.
• Accept help, in whatever form you need it.
• If your condition is terminal, talk with and help prepare your loved ones whom you will be leaving behind.

Click here to read the article “Preventing Caregiver Burnout,” by Melinda Smith, M.A. and Gina Kemp, M.A. on HELPGUIDE.