• Signs your Loved one Needs Help:

• Loses interest in friends or hobbies
• Automobile accidents or getting lost
• Changes in grooming or hygiene
• Unable to handle finances
• Home is cluttered or dirty
• Trouble remembering recent events
• Depression
• Misplacing common items (glasses, keys, etc.)
• Falls or unsteady walking
• Weight loss (indicates not eating well)

When my Dad got lost trying to take his dog to the vet (2 turns) I became concerned that he should no longer be living alone. Once he moved in with my family, we we began to notice all of the signs above.

Signs you (the caregiver) needs help:

• Depression
• Lack of Energy
• Change in Sleep Habits
• Not able to concentrate on work
• Irritable
• Short tempered
• Physically ill
• Significant weight gain or loss
• Isolated from friends and family
• Feeling hopeless or overwhelmed

In my three years of caring for my Dad, I have felt all of the above (except weight loss, darn it!) When I was at the end of my rope, I joined a few support groups and started asking friends and family for help.

Try to do those things before you get to your wits end. When you are not taking care of yourself, it is more difficult for you to be a good caregiver.