Caring for a loved one with a long-term illness or medical condition can be taxing. That's one of Kyle's challenges in Episode 6 of Remake America. (Kyle's daughter has a rare genetic disorder that prevents her from feeding or clothing herself.)
In situations like Kyle's, a caregiver can lose sight of his or her own needs. ABC News Chief Health and Medical Editor Dr. Richard Besser offers some reminders to help caregivers give better care.
Besser makes an analogy between caregiving and airplane safety: put on your oxygen mask first, then help someone else. Taking care of yourself is one way to maximize efficiency and resources, he says.
Besser also acknowledges the sometimes-thorny subject of accepting help. There's no shame in embracing aid, he says, because it reduces stress and anxiety in both directions. The recipient benefits and the caregiver can feel good about the deed. Together, the individuals have produced something larger than the sum of their parts.
Lastly, researching allied groups is another way to maximize care. For practically every illness or circumstance, there's a coalition of individuals or nonprofit groups who've been there too. The caregiver should perform a few Internet searches and connect with the professional resources that are available for free online, Besser says.
For more tips, follow Dr. Besser on Twitter at @DrBesser.
http://news.yahoo.com/tips-for-caregivers-from-dr--richard-besser.html
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