Caregivers Corner | San Diego Central County Parkinson's Support Group

Caregivers Corner

Those of us with Parkinson's who are fortunate to have one or more caregivers in our live's probably have no idea how we would fare without them. However it is a fact that caregiver's themselves face a tremendous amount of stress, and often fail to take adequate care of themselves. One might well ask, who takes care of the caregivers?

The links below will take the reader to resources useful to caregivers (some are specific to Parkinson's, others are not).

The mission of the ARCH National Respite Network and Resource Center is to assist and promote the development of quality respite and crisis care programs throughout the United States; to help families locate respite and crisis care services in their communities; and to serve as a strong voice for respite in all forums. (Click here to read more).

Caregiving is a rewarding act of love, but it is not always easy. Depending on the support your loved one needs, caregiving can strain you physically and emotionally. It can even put your own health at risk. How do you know if you are experiencing caregiver stress? (Click here to read).

Caregiver stress, tips for taking care of yourself. Caring for a loved one strains even the most resilient people. If you are a caregiver, take steps to preserve your own health and well-being. (Click here to read).

The stresses of caregiving may lead to a greater risk of chronic disease, either from the effects of stress, from the impact of an increased workload (poorer sleep, greater fatigue and depression), or from less attention to one's own health (shown in less preventive care, poorer diets, or fewer opportunities to exercise). (Click here to read).

You can’t be a good caregiver to someone else if you don’t take care of yourself, and taking care of yourself requires finding balance in your life. Regular breaks from caregiving are an essential part of this balance. (To read more, click here).

Southern Caregiver Resource Center, serving residents of San Diego County who are caregivers of adults with chronic and disabling conditions or diseases. The SCRC offers many programs and services. (For more information, click here).

The Caregiver's Handbook, San Diego County Mental Health Services. The handbook is written primarily for a caregiver. It is not a 'how-to' book focused on problems of the ill patient. It offers practical approaches to common caregiver problems. Staying healthy, avoiding depression, remaining active, making friends, enjoying pleasurable activities are an essential part of any human life - including those of caregivers. (Click here to read).