Accept help when family members and friends offer to give you a hand. If they don’t offer, ask them! Suggest specific things that they can do, such as household chores, grocery shopping or preparing a meal. Accept help early and often—do not wait until you are overwhelmed or worn out.

Maintain supportive relationships and share your feelings with someone who you feel close to. If you don’t think others will understand what you are going through, join a caregiving support group, either in person or on the Internet.

Caregivers need “time off” to avoid physical and emotional exhaustion. Use in-home and community-based services, like respite care, adult day care and non-medical home care services. Talk to your doctor or a hospital social worker about these services to help you find the support you need.

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