There was an interesting article on CNN entitled “Alzheimer’s care giving: Maintain your support network”. It highlighted how there are so many demands on a caregiver that burnout is sure to ensue. One of caregiver’s biggest needs is a Social Network. Prior to taking off on an airplane you receive some safety instructions. Part of those instructions state that you need to place your own oxygen mask on first prior to attempting to assist someone else. This principal applies with care giving. In order to provide adequate care for your loved one you must first provide yourself with the needed care, putting on your oxygen mask.

One of the biggest aids to assist you in this regard is being apart of one or more support groups. Your friends and family form your primary hands on support group. Get them involved. Especially when they ask “What can we do to help?”  Don’t say “Nothing” give them a specific task that they can assist with. Your network wants to help and you need the help.

Another part of your network are the agencies and service providers. Your doctors, lawyer, accountant can all provide you with valuable information that can assist you and share you time, money and heartache.

There are also many online communities where you can share and interact with others who are going through the same things that you are going through. The Alzthere Network is one community that you can add to your network.

Alzthere Because You Care!