Category: Caregiver Tools

Which contradictory emotions affect you the most as a caregiver or care partner?

Posted on September 13, 2023 by - Care Partner, Caregiver, Caregiver Tools

A Battery is running away from Bat.

What Are the Common Emotions of Family Caregivers?

The frustration and confusion of having two different and contradicting emotions at the same time is how most family caregivers tell their stories. You know that you love them, but you have these other opposite feelings, too, What gives? You are human and you can have two completely different feelings and emotions at the same time. Most of the time, you have one set of feelings and emotions about the persona and another set of feelings and emotions about the situation.

A few examples of conflicting emotions or feelings felt at the same time: aka Mixed Feelings

·       Happy & Sad

·       Excited & Scared

·       Confident & Doubtful

·       Love & Anger

·       Time to be with loved ones and time to be alone

·       Feeling a sense of freedom and relief when the person we have been taking care of dies and we miss them.

Having these mixed emotions drains us. Not because we have them, but because of how we “feel” about having them. Feeling the conflict is what stresses us out. Why? Because we want everything to be “just so” and in a “neat little box.” That is not reality. We must stop beating ourselves up for having mixed feelings or contradictory feelings. Keep fighting the battle of the mixed emotions and you will become emotionally drained Plus you haven’t solved the contradiction and the cycle continues.

Get rid of the word, “but” and replace it with “and.” I love my wife and she makes me crazy. “I’m glad I married him, and at times, I don’t like him very much.” It really is okay to feel your feelings. You don’t have to act on them. It really is okay that you have mixed emotions. Life is messy, relationships are messy and we can all put the “fun” in dysfunctional.

Caregiving can trigger a range of emotions, from love and compassion to frustration and anger. Caregivers may feel overwhelmed, stressed, anxious, guilty, or resentful due to the demands of caregiving. These emotions can affect the caregiver’s quality of life and the quality of care they provide to their loved ones. Understanding and managing these emotions can help caregivers to cope better, reduce stress, and improve their overall well-being.

Understanding Caregiver Emotions

Common emotions experienced by family caregivers

Here are some of the most common emotions experienced by family caregivers:

·        Stress and anxiety: Caregiving can be a stressful and anxiety-provoking experience, particularly when caregivers are responsible for the health and well-being of their loved ones. Caregivers may worry about their loved ones’ health, finances, and future, as well as their own ability to provide care.

·        Guilt: Caregivers may feel guilty about not being able to provide enough care, not being able to spend enough time with their loved ones, or feeling resentful or angry towards their loved ones.

·        Anger and resentment: Caregiving can be a thankless job, and caregivers may feel unappreciated or taken for granted. Caregivers may also feel angry or resentful towards their loved ones for their illness or condition.

·        Sadness and grief: Caregivers may feel sad or grieve for the loss of their loved onone’sealth or for the loss of the relationship they had before their loved ones became ill.

Coping strategies for caregiver emotions

Here are some strategies that caregivers can use to cope with their emotions:

·        Take care of yourself: Caregivers need to take care of their own physical and emotional health in order to provide the best care for their loved ones. This includes eating healthy, getting enough sleep, and taking breaks when needed.

·        Seek support: Caregivers should seek support from family, friends, and support groups. Talking to others who are going through similar experiences can help caregivers feel less alone and more understood.

·        Set boundaries: Caregivers should set boundaries and learn to say no when they need to. This can help prevent burnout and resentment towards their loved ones.

·        Practice self-compassion: Caregivers should practice self-compassion and be kind to themselves. They should remind themselves that they are doing the best they can and that it’s okay to make mistakes.

The Emotional Journey of Caregiving

Initial Shock and Denial

When a loved one is diagnosed with an illness or condition that requires caregiving, family caregivers may experience shock and denial. They may struggle to come to terms with the diagnosis and the changes that it will bring to their lives. This can be a difficult time, as caregivers may feel overwhelmed and unsure of how to move forward. Your hopes and dreams of the future are now either changed or gone. 

Overwhelm and Anxiety

As caregivers begin to take on more responsibilities, they may feel overwhelmed and anxious. They may worry about their loved one’s health and well-being, as well as their own ability to provide care. This can lead to feelings of stress and anxiety, which can take a toll on caregivers’ physical and emotional health. The care receiver’s needs grow over time and at first, those needs were manageable, but now, it is too much. 

Guilt and Regret

Caregivers may also experience feelings of guilt and regret. They may feel guilty for not being able to do more, or for feeling resentful or frustrated at times. They may also regret decisions that they have made or actions that they have taken. These feelings can be difficult to manage, but it is important for caregivers to remember that they are doing the best that they can. You will feel guilt, get used to it. You will have regrets, accept it. You may not have had any good choices, so you must make the choice that you will regret the least. 

Resentment and Anger

As caregiving responsibilities increase, caregivers may also experience feelings of resentment and anger. They may feel resentful of the changes that caregiving has brought to their lives, or of the impact that it has had on their relationships and other responsibilities. They may also feel angry at their loved one’s condition or at the healthcare system. It is important for caregivers to find healthy ways to manage these feelings, such as through self-care or seeking support from others.

Acceptance and Adaptation

Over time, caregivers may begin to accept their new role and find ways to adapt to the challenges of caregiving. They may develop new skills and strategies for managing their loved one’s care and may find a sense of purpose and fulfillment in their role as a caregiver. While caregiving can be challenging, it can also be a rewarding and meaningful experience.

Common Emotions Experienced by Caregivers

Stress

Caregiving can be physically and emotionally exhausting, leading to stress. Caregivers may feel overwhelmed, anxious, and irritable. They may also experience physical symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, and sleep disturbances.

Depression

Depression is a common emotion experienced by caregivers. They may feel sad, hopeless, and helpless. Caregivers may also experience a loss of interest in activities they once enjoyed.

Guilt

Caregivers may feel guilty for not being able to do more for their loved ones. They may also feel guilty for taking time for themselves or for feeling angry or resentful.

Resentment

Caregivers may feel resentful towards their loved ones for the burden of care they have taken on. They may also feel resentful towards other family members who are not helping or towards healthcare professionals who they feel are not providing adequate support.

Loneliness

Caregiving can be isolating, and caregivers may feel lonely and disconnected from their social support networks. They may also feel like they have lost their sense of identity outside of their role as a caregiver.

Fear

Caregivers may experience fear about the future, including the health and well-being of their loved ones. They may also fear their own ability to continue providing care. Another fear that arises is the fear of failure and that one is probably the worst one of all. You will not fail, you cannot fail. 

It is important for caregivers to recognize and address these emotions. Seeking support from healthcare professionals, support groups, or family and friends can help caregivers cope with the emotional challenges of caregiving.

Coping Mechanisms for Caregiver Emotions

Self-Care

Taking care of oneself is critical for caregivers. Self-care activities can help caregivers relax and recharge. Here are some self-care activities that caregivers can engage in:

  • Exercise: Regular exercise can help reduce stress and improve mood.
  • Meditation: Meditation can help reduce stress and promote relaxation.
  • Sleep: Getting enough sleep is essential for caregivers to maintain their energy levels.
  • Healthy Eating: Eating a well-balanced diet can help caregivers maintain their physical health.

Support Groups

Caregivers can benefit from joining support groups where they can share their experiences, feelings, and concerns with others who are going through similar situations. Support groups can provide a sense of community and reduce feelings of isolation. Caregivers can find support groups through local hospitals, community centers, or online forums.

Professional Help

Caregivers may benefit from seeking professional help from a therapist or counselor. A therapist can help caregivers manage their emotions and provide coping strategies. Caregivers can find a therapist through their healthcare provider, local hospitals, or online directories.

The Importance of Emotional Health in Caregiving

Caregiving can be an emotionally challenging experience for family members. It is common for caregivers to experience a range of emotions, including stress, anxiety, guilt, and sadness. These emotions can be overwhelming and can have a significant impact on the caregiver’s emotional well-being.

It is important for caregivers to prioritize their emotional health to ensure that they can provide the best care possible for their loved ones. Neglecting emotional health can lead to burnout, depression, and other mental health issues that can affect the caregiver’s ability to provide care.

One way to maintain emotional health is to identify and acknowledge the emotions that arise during caregiving. Caregivers should allow themselves to feel and express their emotions, as bottling up emotions can lead to further stress and anxiety. It is also important to seek support from others, such as family members, friends, or a support group, who can provide a listening ear and emotional support. 

Another way to maintain emotional health is to practice self-care. This can include engaging in activities that bring joy and relaxation, such as reading, listening to music, or taking a walk. Caregivers should also make time for physical exercise, healthy eating, and getting enough sleep.

The emotions just pop up. It is okay, be curious about them. No judgment is allowed, they are thoughts and feelings. You

don’t have to react to them or act on them. Don’t stuff your feelings down, they will eventually come out and it probably won’t be in a good way.

Understand the Basics of the Family Leave Medical Act (FMLA)

Posted on May 25, 2023 by - Caregiver Tools

While I worked at a chain drugstore, I had access to FMLA, if I needed it. Now, that I work for myself, I no longer have that benefit. Those of you that work for small companies, (less than 50 employees) are in the same boat that I am in. We are screwed, if we need to take time off to handle our own medical needs, the medical needs of a loved one, maternity/paternity needs, etc. This is another reason to have three months of money saved or easily accessible. Start saving $25 to $50 a paycheck, pay yourself, just like it is another bill and leave it alone. Put it in a special bank account or get a fireproof safe and place it in there. Check your progress in three months. Readjust, if you must, but do not stop and DO NOT spend it. It is for ABSOLUTE emergencies only.

For those of you that have access to FMLA, what follows is a basic overview and probably a reminder, that you do have access to this benefit.

Overview of FMLA

If you are an employee and need to take time off work for a personal or family medical reason, the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) may provide you with job-protected leave. The FMLA is a federal law that entitles eligible employees of covered employers to take unpaid, job-protected leave for specified family and medical reasons with continuation of group health insurance coverage under the same terms and conditions as if the employee had not taken leave.

Under the FMLA, eligible employees are entitled to up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave in a 12-month period for qualifying life events. These events include the birth or adoption of a child, caring for a spouse, child, or parent with a serious health condition, or when the employee is unable to work due to a serious health condition. Additionally, the FMLA allows eligible employees to take leave for qualifying demands related to the military service of a spouse, child, or parent, or to care for a covered service member with a serious injury or illness.

It is important to note that not all employers are covered by the FMLA. Covered employers include private sector employers who employ 50 or more employees, public agencies, and public or private elementary or secondary schools. Additionally, employees must meet certain eligibility requirements to be covered by the FMLA, including having worked for the employer for at least 12 months and having worked at least 1,250 hours in the 12 months preceding the start of the FMLA leave.

Eligibility Requirements

If you are interested in taking advantage of the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), you must meet certain eligibility requirements. First and foremost, you must work for a covered employer. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, covered employers include:

  • All public agencies
  • All public and private elementary and secondary schools
  • Companies with 50 or more employees

If you work for a covered employer, you must also meet the following requirements:

  • You must have worked for your employer for at least 12 months.
  • You must have worked at least 1,250 hours during the 12 months prior to the start of your FMLA leave.
  • Your employer must employ at least 50 employees within a 75-mile radius of your worksite.

It’s important to note that if you work for the federal government, you may be eligible for FMLA leave under the FMLA regulations for federal employees. These regulations are administered by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management.

If you meet these eligibility requirements, you may be entitled to up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave during any 12-month period for the following purposes:

  • The birth of a child and to care for the newborn child within one year of birth
  • The placement with the employee of a child for adoption or foster care and to care for the newly placed child within one year of placement
  • To care for an immediate family member (spouse, child, or parent) with a serious health condition
  • To take medical leave when the employee is unable to work because of a serious health condition
  • For qualifying exigencies arising out of the fact that the employee’s spouse, son, daughter, or parent is a covered military member on “covered active duty;”
  • To care for a covered service member with a serious injury or illness if the employee is the spouse, son, daughter, parent, or next of kin of the service member (Military Caregiver Leave)

How to Apply for FMLA Leave

If you are eligible for Family and Medical Leave (FMLA), you can apply for it by following the steps outlined below.

Documentation Required

To apply for FMLA, you will need to provide your employer with a medical certification form completed by your healthcare provider. This form will verify that you or your family member has a serious health condition that requires your care, or that you need to take time off for your own serious health condition. You must submit this form to your employer within 15 calendar days of receiving it.

Timing of Leave

You must provide your employer with at least 30 days’ notice before you plan to take FMLA leave, if the need for leave is foreseeable. If the need for leave is not foreseeable, you must provide notice as soon as possible. Your employer may require you to provide additional information about your need for leave, such as a statement explaining why you need leave and how long you expect to be away from work.

Intermittent Leave (Take leave every now and then or at intervals)

If you need to take FMLA leave intermittently, you should work with your employer to develop a schedule that meets your needs while minimizing the impact on your employer’s operations. You may also be required to provide your employer with periodic updates on your condition and your need for leave.

Remember, if you are eligible for FMLA, you have the right to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave in a 12-month period for certain qualifying reasons. By following the steps outlined above, you can ensure that you receive the leave you are entitled to.

Protections and Benefits

Job Protection

 When you return to work, your employer must provide you with the same or an equivalent position. If your employer violates your FMLA rights, you can file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division.

Health Insurance

If you are enrolled in a group health insurance plan, your employer must maintain your coverage during your FMLA leave. You must continue to pay your share of the premiums while you are on leave. If you do not return to work after your FMLA leave, your employer may require you to reimburse them for the premiums they paid to maintain your coverage during your leave.

Accrued Leave

You can use your accrued paid leave, such as sick leave or vacation time, to cover part or all of your FMLA leave. Your employer may require you to use your accrued leave before taking unpaid FMLA leave. If you do not have any accrued leave, you can still take FMLA leave, but it will be unpaid.

Overall, FMLA provides important protections and benefits for eligible employees who need to take leave for family or medical reasons. If you are eligible, you should be sure to understand your rights and how to properly request and take FMLA leave.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about the Family and Medical Leave Act:

  • Who is eligible for FMLA?

You are eligible for FMLA if you work for a covered employer and have worked for the employer for at least 12 months. Additionally, you must have worked at least 1,250 hours during the 12 months before taking leave.

  • What reasons qualify for FMLA?

You can take FMLA leave for any of the following reasons:

  • Your own serious health condition that makes you unable to perform your job
  • To care for a spouse, child, or parent with a serious health condition
  • The birth or adoption of a child
  • To care for a newborn child within one year of birth
  • For qualifying exigencies related to a family member’s military service
  • To care for a covered service member with a serious injury or illness
  • How much leave can I take under FMLA?

You can take up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave in a 12-month period for FMLA-qualifying reasons. If you need additional time off, you may be eligible for other types of leave, such as sick leave or vacation time.

  • Do I get paid during FMLA leave?

No, FMLA leave is unpaid. However, you may be able to use any accrued paid leave, such as sick leave or vacation time, to cover part or all of your FMLA leave.

  • What happens to my health insurance during FMLA leave?

Your employer is required to maintain your health insurance while you are on FMLA leave. You will be responsible for paying your portion of the premiums, just as you would if you were still working.

  • Do I have job protection during FMLA leave?

Yes, you have job protection during FMLA leave. When you return from leave, your employer must restore you to your original job or a similar job with the same pay, benefits, and working conditions.

Conclusion

Now that you better understand the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), you can determine if you are eligible for this benefit and how to apply for it. 

Remember that FMLA is designed to help employees balance their work and family responsibilities by allowing them to take reasonable unpaid leave for certain family and medical reasons. If you believe that your employer is violating your FMLA rights, you can file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division.

Caregivers and Care Partners Learning to Reframe

Posted on April 12, 2023 by - Caregiver Tools

Caring for a loved one with dementia or mental illness can be emotionally and physically draining. It can be challenging for caregivers to manage their own feelings while providing the best care possible. One technique that can help caregivers is cognitive reframing (reframing) – the process of changing the way one thinks about a situation or problem. Reframing can help caregivers shift their focus from negative thoughts and emotions to more positive ones, making it easier to cope with the challenges of caregiving.

Family caregivers can use this tool as another coping strategy for stress management. By reducing your stress level you’ll be able to improve your caregiving experience. By learning cognitive reframing techniques, you are able to look at a situation differently. When you can slow down, just a little, you can look for other options or opportunities that you hadn’t thought of before. This slightly different perspective or a different way to look at a problem may help you a great deal during difficult situations. Anytime you can look at a situation from a different perspective it can open up more possibilities. Workplaces use this technique quite a lot when working on projects. 

Think of your feelings as warning signals. They are alerting you to possible dangers. However, they do not get to determine what you do or how you act, you get to do that. Reframing is like that, too. You get to take a minute or two to look for strategies that can help. To consider the issue/problem. Reframing is not doing an analysis. It is about looking at the big picture and looking at things from different angles. We like to solve things, but are we solving the right problem? What if there is a better problem to solve than the one that seems to be causing an issue? Accept the reality as it is, right now. Feel your feeling and don’t quash them.

You can throw solutions at the problem you think you have and see if anything works or you can settle down and see if you have made assumptions about what the problem is. I know that sometimes, you just want things to work. I get it, but what if we could actually find the problem and address that issue so we don’t have to keep going on this merry-go-round? 

It doesn’t have to take you a long time to assess and reframe. What are the impediments or barriers that may be blocking success? Focus on the “why is this happening” and not the “what is happening.” Brainstorm and come up with all kinds of ideas, especially crappy ones. Then you can start throwing out the things that are not feasible. What could make one of the crappy ideas work? Is it doable? 

Is caregiving a burden or a kindness?

For example, instead of thinking of caregiving as a burden, reframing can help caregivers view it as an act of kindness towards their loved one. This can help them feel more positive and fulfilled in their role as a caregiver. Reframing can also help caregivers see their loved one’s behaviors in a different light. For instance, instead of feeling frustrated by a loved one’s repetitive behaviors, reframing can help the caregiver see it as a way for their loved one to feel safe and secure.

Reframing is a learned behavior and can take time and practice to master. However, studies have shown that it can be an effective tool for reducing caregiver stress, anxiety, and depression. By changing their perspective, caregivers can improve their overall quality of life and provide better care for their loved ones.

Understanding Reframing the Situation

What is Reframing?

Reframing is a cognitive technique that involves changing the way we think about a situation. It is a way to shift our perspective and view things in a more positive light. Reframing can help caregivers to cope with the challenges and stress of caring for someone with dementia. Instead of focusing on the negative aspects of the situation, reframing can help caregivers to see the positive aspects and find meaning in their caregiving role. For example, a caregiver may feel overwhelmed and stressed by the constant demands of caring for a loved one with dementia. By reframing the situation, the caregiver can focus on the positive aspects of their caregiving role, such as the opportunity to provide love and support to their loved one, and the sense of fulfillment that comes from helping others.

Why is Reframing Important for Family Caregivers? 

Caregiving can be a challenging and stressful role, and it is important for caregivers to take care of their own mental health and well-being. Reframing can help caregivers to manage their stress and cope with the challenges of caregiving. By changing the way they think about the situation, caregivers can reduce their feelings of stress and anxiety and improve their overall well-being. Reframing can also help caregivers to develop a more positive relationship with their loved one with dementia. By focusing on the positive aspects of their relationship and finding meaning in their caregiving role, caregivers can improve their emotional connection with their loved one and provide better care. In summary, reframing is a powerful cognitive technique that can help caregivers to cope with the challenges and stress of caring for someone with dementia. By changing the way they think about the situation, caregivers can reduce their feelings of stress and anxiety, improve their overall well-being, and develop a more positive relationship with their loved one.

Situations Where Reframing Can Help Caregivers

Caregivers often face challenging situations that can be emotionally and physically draining. Reframing is a technique that can help caregivers shift their perspective and find new ways to approach these situations. Here are some common situations where reframing can be particularly helpful:

Dealing with Difficult Behaviors

One of the most challenging aspects of caregiving is managing difficult behaviors. Whether it’s a loved one who is resistant to care or who exhibits aggressive or disruptive behavior, it can be hard to know how to respond. Reframing can help caregivers see these behaviors in a new light and find more effective ways to respond.

  • Example: Instead of seeing a loved one’s resistance to care as a personal attack, a caregiver might reframe the situation as a sign that their loved one is feeling scared or vulnerable. By approaching the situation with empathy and understanding, the caregiver may be able to find a way to make their loved one feel more comfortable and cooperative.

Managing Stress and Burnout

Caregiving can be a stressful and overwhelming experience, and many caregivers struggle with burnout. Reframing can help caregivers find new ways to cope with stress and avoid burnout.

  • Example: Instead of seeing caregiving as a burden or obligation, a caregiver might reframe their role as an opportunity to show love and support to their loved one. By focusing on the positive aspects of caregiving, the caregiver may be able to find more joy and fulfillment in their role.

Improving Communication with Loved Ones

Effective communication is key to successful caregiving, but it can be challenging when a loved one is experiencing cognitive decline or other health issues. Reframing can help caregivers approach communication in a new way and find ways to connect with their loved one.

  • Example: Instead of feeling frustrated by a loved one’s inability to communicate effectively, a caregiver might reframe the situation as an opportunity to connect on a deeper level. By using nonverbal cues or finding alternative ways to communicate, the caregiver may be able to strengthen their bond with their loved one.

Examples of Reframing in Action

Case Study 1: Reframing Challenging Behaviors

Caregiving can be a challenging job, especially when the person being cared for has difficult behaviors. Reframing can help caregivers see these behaviors in a new light and respond more effectively. For example, a caregiver may be frustrated by a person with dementia who constantly repeats the same question. Instead of becoming annoyed, the caregiver can reframe the behavior as a sign that the person is seeking reassurance or feeling anxious. By responding with empathy and patience, the caregiver can help the person feel calmer and more secure. Another example is a caregiver who is struggling to get a person with a physical disability to participate in physical therapy. Instead of seeing the person as stubborn or resistant, the caregiver can reframe the situation as a fear of pain or a lack of understanding of the benefits of therapy. By addressing these underlying concerns, the caregiver can help the person feel more motivated and engaged.

Case Study 2: Reframing Negative Thoughts and Emotions

Caregiving can also take an emotional toll on caregivers, leading to negative thoughts and feelings. Reframing can help caregivers shift their perspective and find more positive ways of coping. For example, a caregiver may feel guilty for needing a break or taking time for themselves. Instead of seeing this as a weakness or failure, the caregiver can reframe it as a necessary part of self-care that ultimately benefits both themselves and the person they are caring for. Another example is a caregiver feeling overwhelmed by caregiving’s demands. Instead of seeing this as a hopeless situation, the caregiver can reframe it as an opportunity to learn new skills, build resilience, and deepen their relationships with the person they are caring for.

Case Study 3: Reframing Communication Challenges

Effective communication is key to successful caregiving, but it can be difficult when the person being cared for has cognitive or communication impairments. Reframing can help caregivers find new ways of communicating and connecting. For example, a caregiver may be struggling to understand a person with aphasia who is having difficulty finding the right words. Instead of becoming frustrated or giving up, the caregiver can reframe the situation as an opportunity to practice active listening, use visual cues, and explore alternative modes of communication like gestures or writing. Another example is a caregiver who is having difficulty engaging a person with autism who is fixated on a particular topic. Instead of seeing this as a barrier to communication, the caregiver can reframe it as a shared interest that can be used to build rapport and connection. By showing genuine interest and curiosity, the caregiver can help the person feel heard and understood.

Tips for Caregivers to Reframe the Situation

Identifying Negative Thought Patterns

Caregivers often find themselves in situations that are emotionally and physically draining. It is easy for them to fall into negative thought patterns that can make the situation worse. Identifying these negative thought patterns is the first step in reframing the situation. Caregivers can ask themselves questions like:

  • What am I thinking right now?
  • Is this thought helping me or making things worse?
  • What evidence do I have to support this thought?

By identifying negative thought patterns, caregivers can challenge them and replace them with more positive ones.

Practicing Gratitude and Positive Self-Talk

Practicing gratitude and positive self-talk can help caregivers reframe the situation and see it in a more positive light. Caregivers can keep a gratitude journal and write down three things they are grateful for each day. They can also practice positive self-talk by telling themselves things like:

  • I am doing the best I can.
  • I am making a difference in someone’s life.
  • I am strong and capable.

By practicing gratitude and positive self-talk, caregivers can shift their focus from the negative aspects of the situation to the positive ones.

Seeking Support from Others

Caregiving can be a lonely and isolating experience. Seeking support from others can help caregivers reframe the situation and see it in a more positive light. Caregivers can join a support group, talk to a therapist, or reach out to friends and family members for support. By seeking support from others, caregivers can feel less alone and more empowered to handle the challenges of caregiving.

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