We often talk about the many reasons why it's important for caregivers to take care of themselves. Caregivers often neglect their own health because they are so absorbed in caring for their loved one. Caregivers can be more effective caregivers if they take care of their own health. It's not unusual for caregivers to die before the person for whom they're caring. Do any of these thoughts motivate us to take care of ourselves?

Most caregivers, if we are honest, will acknowledge we see ourselves in the person for whom we are caring. We are worried that someday we will suffer from the same or some other condition, and we wonder if we will need a caregiver of our own someday. It's okay that everyone needs help now and then. We know that needing a caregiver isn't a bad thing. The thought that we might need a caregiver of our own scares us.

The reality is that caregivers have higher incidences of diabetes, stroke, heart disease, depression and other chronic conditions when compared with people of the same age who aren't caregivers. We know that we can prevent, manage or improve many of these chronic conditions that take a toll in the long run. Lifestyle choices in fact make a huge impact on our own health. Caregiving is a lifestyle choice that impacts what we eat, how much sleep we get, how much exercise we get, and how much stress we must manage.

We made the choice to become caregivers. This choice doesn't mean we can't also choose to manage our own health as well. The two aren't actually mutually exclusive even if they often feel like it. We get one chance to live this life, and it's a one-way trip. Being a caregiver is an important part of our lives and it impacts us.  

Hopefully, it will also inspire us to take care of ourselves as well. We're taking care of our loved one today, but it's our own future we're building right now. 

Carol Zernial 

Communication in caregiving is very important as a 

substantial part of caregiving is care of chronic illness or serious conditions associated with aging.  Securing proper care through health care providers can be a daunting and frustrating process.  Also, care can be hindered due to communication problems between the care receiver and the caregiver.  This section focuses on communication between the caregiver and care receiver as well as how to more effectively communicate with health care providers.  This information can be used by the caregiver to increase effective communication and enhance the caregiving experience.

If your loved one becomes anxious, resistant, or demanding, it can make your job as caregiver that much more difficult.

If the person you care for must rely on others for  his daily care, he may feel a loss of control over his life. He may feel frustrated or helpless at times. His personality and behavior may change because of the emotional and physical changes he experiences. Read entire article. 

A family member has just been diagnosed with an illness that will eventually require round-the-clock care. Of course you want to be the one giving that care. This decision is usually made without hesitation; of course we want to be our loved one's caregiver.  

Who else could take better care of them? However, when the reality of your decision sinks in, your head will be swimming with uncertainty, anxiety, and maybe even fear. Certainly you will have many questions. Welcome to Caregiving 101, a primer for first-time caregivers. Continue reading.