Taking Care of the Caregivers

Taking care of the caregivers, or caregivers taking time for themselves, becomes extremely important during the holiday season.  The task of caregiving often involved more than anyone ever imagined, as related in the AARP magazine article, Caring for the Caregiver, by Sheree Crute.

A cascade of studies in recent years has shown that caregivers stand at particular risk for a host of mental and physical illnesses, many of which have roots in stress, exhaustion, and self-neglect—symptoms some medical professionals have begun calling caregiver syndrome.

Ms. Crute’s article relates caregiver stories, how some found help, what others can do, and the statistics about the growing need to care for the caregivers.  She also mentions an AARP guide, Caring for Your Parents: the Complete AARP Guide, among other books.

Another Ms. Crute refers to is The Emotional Survival Guide for Caregivers by Barry J. Jacobs. 

What books and organizations have you found helpful in caring for yourself as a caregiver or have recommended to a caregiver you know?