How caregivers can better deal with caregiver's stresses Part 2

2.  Caregivers should learn about their loved one’s diagnosis.  Psychologist Dr Barry Jacobs says it well in his book, The Emotional Survival Guide for Caregivers:  “not having basic knowledge about the patient’s illness is like driving some pitch-black country road without headlights and being jolted by every dip and thrown by every curve.  Without understanding the rigors of the terrain, you’re hard-pressed to prepare yourself for the ride or even judge whether you’re up to the journey.  It’s reckless.”  [Jacobs, Barry J, The Emotional Survival Guide for Caregivers, (New York:  Guilford Press, 2006), 39.] 

Two of my family members have recently been diagnosed with heart disease.  What does a diagnosis of congestive heart failure mean?  How can my loved one best take care of his health?  Where should my family go for information?  First, his doctor will give pertinent information which my family needs.  Second, my family can get information and understanding from reputable websites like American Heart Association at http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/ Mayo Clinic at http://www.mayoclinic.com/ or WebMD at http://www.webmd.com/.  Use reputable organizations for accurate information and support groups.