For Caregivers
We want to know about you!
The Senior Center is developing a mailing list of caregivers in Lake County. We want to know how to support you while you provide care to your loved one or client! The Senior Center is in the process of assessing whether or not a Respite Program and/or Support Group would be beneficial for caregivers in Lake County. Whether you are taking care of a young adult or a senior, we want to know your needs! Please let us know about you by calling Rachelle at 719-486-1774 with your name and mailing address. If you can email... that's even easier! Email the Senior Center. Please spread the word to other caregivers that you might know. Thank you for helping us build a supportive caregiving community!
- The Alzheimer's Association 24/7 Helpline (800-272-3900) is available around the clock, 365 days a year. Through this free service, specialists and master's-level clinicians offer confidential support and information to people living with the disease, caregivers, families and the public.
- Stress Check Resources that can help you!
- This is a great caregiver resource of activities. Engage your loved one with fun activities!
Caregiver Tips
By Family Caregiver Alliance
First, Care for Yourself
On an airplane, an oxygen mask descends in front of you. What do you do? As we all know, the first rule is to put on your own oxygen mask before you assist anyone else. Only when we first help ourselves can we effectively help others. Caring for yourself is one of the most important-and one of the most often forgotten-things you can do as a caregiver. When your needs are taken care of, the person you care for will benefit, too.
Remember, it is not selfish to focus on your own needs and desires when you are a caregiver-itʼs an important part of the job. You are responsible for your own self-care. Focus on the following self-care practices:
- Learn and use stress-reduction techniques, e.g. meditation, prayer, yoga, Tai Chi.
- Attend to your own healthcare needs.
- Get proper rest and nutrition.
- Exercise regularly, even if only for 10 minutes at a time.
- Take time off without feeling guilty.
- Participate in pleasant, nurturing activities, such as reading a good book, taking a warm bath.
- Seek and accept the support of others.
- Seek supportive counseling when you need it, or talk to a trusted counselor, friend, or pastor.
- Identify and acknowledge your feelings, you have a right to ALL of them.
- Change the negative ways you view situations.
- Set goals.
Additional Resources
- For more information on Best Practices of Caregiving, contact the Family Caregiver Alliance, National Center on Caregiving. They have a great website!
- If you need an emotional support group, please check out this useful resource: Support Groups for Caregivers (PDF)
- If you need educational support as a caregiver, please look at these groups. Although these are classes for January through March 2021, they give you an idea of what is provided during the year.
Education Programs (PDF)
Lake County Senior Center does not endorse any particular agency or organization.