Caregiver Survival Tips
Things You Can Do for a Caregiver
Ask
Assemble the family photo album
Visit with care-receiver for a couple of hour so teh caregiver can get some uniterrupted sleep
Say a prayer
Write to your legislators in support of family caregiver support legislation and send a copy of you letter back to the family
Tend to the caregiver's backyard
Cook an extra main dish when making your own dinner
Shovel their snow; rake leaves
Stop by on your way to the store to see if they need anything
Start a volunteer respite program in your area or church
Rent a movie for him/her--and offer to return it
Don't forget important birthdays or anniversaries
Offer to give them a drive
Invite them over for dinner, if possible
Give a family care-giving book as a gift
Offer to stay with their loved one while the caregiver attends a support group meeting
Provide him/her information on Safe Return
Send a magazine as a suprise gift
Make sure the caregiver gets to her/his own doctor or dentist
Allow/encourage the caregiver to rant with no sugar-coating allowed
Do what ever you can do to enable caregiver to take vacations
Accompany the caregiver and receiver to the doctor as a show of support
Gently remind caregiver of tax/legal consequences of their present situation; be sure wills, medical directive, and power of attorneys are in order
Offer to run an errand
Sit, grieve, and remember with the caregiver in solidarity and love
