Caregivers: Taking Care of Yourself?

It seems like a major theme of the last few weeks, if not months, has for me been the importance of caregivers taking care of themselves.  I am involved in helping to take care of my mom, who over the past year has been in assisted living, as well as hospitalized at least twice, and in a rehab facility for two months.  This has been hard on her, and it has been hard on her children.  I thought I knew all about helplessnesss until I faced became reacquainted with the stress of helping someone you care about cope with their medical condition and join them in the adventure of dealing with the healthcare system.  If you’re in this situation, find a supportive person who can give you the emotional support you need and help you to objectively evaluate the best way to help your loved one.