Your Care: Weekly Tip

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Throughout Your Caregiving Years

Weekly Caregiver Tip

(October 30, 2000)

Twelve Steps for Caregivers

By Carol J. Farran, DNSc, RN, FAAN, Rush University

1. Although I can't control the disease process, I need to remember I can control many aspects of how it affects me and my relatives.

2. I need to take care of myself so that I can continue doing the things that are most important.

3. I need to simplify my lifestyle so that I have time for what is important.

4. I need to cultivate the gift of allowing others to help me because caring for my relative is too big a job for me.

5. I need to take one day at a time.

6. I need to structure my day because a schedule is best for me and my relative.

7. I need to have a sense of humor.

8. I need to remember that my relative is not being difficult on purpose.

9. I need to focus on and enjoy what my relative still can do.

10. I need to depend upon relationships to support me.

11. I need to frequently remind myself that I am doing the best that I can at this moment.

12. I need to draw upon the Higher Power which I believe is available to me.

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