When you become a caregiver for your loved one, it can be difficult to preserve his or her health, dignity, and lifestyle while maintaining your sense of well-being. As you try to find balance between caregiving and your other activities, such as work, family, and leisure, remember to manage your stress.

• Get help from support groups or from a counselor. In-person support is great, but even one-on-one telephone calls with counselors are helpful.
• Educate yourself on how to manage your loved one's issues. Often the feeling of being overwhelmed can be overcome by learning new strategies to solve problems.
• Use the techniques that will help you manage stress, like meditation, exercise, and regular sleep. You don't want to overreact and say or do something that you'll later regret.
• Try to preserve a sense of normalcy for your loved one and yourself. Let family and friends know what is happening. Find time for visitors to spend the afternoon with your loved one if it is possible.
• Avoid fighting with your loved one whenever possible. Try to see his or her point of view, and let minor issues slide.
• Take time for yourself. Use short breaks where you can channel your energy into a hobby or engage in physical activity. If you need a longer break, reach out to family and friends or to an elderly home care provider so that your loved one will be cared for in your absence.