How caregivers can better deal with caregivers' stresses Part 6

6.  As a caregiver, put yourself high on the priorities list.  Serious illness affects the entire family, not just the individual needing care.  Caregiver organizations are quick to point out that caregiving causes stress and caregivers need to take care of themselves.  

The American Heart Association gives this advice to caregivers:  “Pace yourself.  This is a marathon, not a sprint.  Seek sustenance and help along the way.”  http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Caregiver/RealityCheck/BeRealisticThinkPositive/Be-Realistic-Think-Positive_UCM_301771_Article.jsp#.TxtJBvkqjC8   Every caregiver needs to consider himself and his needs so he doesn’t become stressed out, worn out and burned out.   

Information and support groups can be found at reputable caregiver’s organizations such as the National Family Caregivers Association at http://www.nfcacares.org and the Family Caregiver Alliance at www.caregiver.org  Organizations such as the Alzheimer’s Association at http://alz.org, the American Cancer Society at http://cancer.org and American Heart Association at http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/ also provide valuable, reliable information and support for families dealing with those illnesses.