TIPS -- Feeling Stressed While Caring for a Family Member or Friend

• Make a plan to take charge of your stress and personal well-being.
  
  
• Work with a caregiver coach for specialized attention for dealing with stress or to sort through difficult family issues. 
  
  
• Seek help in managing difficult behaviors and/or caring for someone with memory loss
  
  
• Find ways to make the physical care easier for you – technology and monitoring devices, lifts, laundry and housekeeping help, bathroom modifications, financial support, etc.
  
  
• Buy the right kind and right amount of help that works for you and your family.
  
  
• Make time for the things you like to do (e.g., exercise, time with family and friends, garden, read, attend sports events, travel, etc.,)
  
  
• Continue to learn about the many different kinds of support for family caregivers in your community and on the internet, and through various organizations including www.minnesotahelp.info.