There are few guarantees in the life of the caretaker. Many jeopardize their occupations and personal lives because it is simply too difficult to balance those areas with the additional responsibility of caretaking. Scheduling doctor’s appointments, paying bills, and coordinating the care for their family may all fall solely on the caretaker to handle. Isolation is common and is often accompanied by emotional and physical problems.

When it comes to finding help, many caretakers do not know where to turn. Quality resources are often difficult to find, and the decision making process can be overwhelming. Without the knowledge of where to turn, it can be hard to access the support needed.

The good news is there is help out there. Caretakers should let family members and friends know what kind of assistance they need. It’s possible the situation isn’t fully understood. Find help online through blogs and websites, including the Alzheimer’s Association, Today’s Caregiver, andCaringBridge.

Support groups can also be very helpful. It is important for the caregiver to determine if a support group is appropriate for them. The best way to know is to attend a meeting and assess the dynamics of the group and the quality of the leadership. Word of mouth is one of the best resources. Caretakers can gain valuable information from other caretakers in similar situations. It is also helpful to speak to family members, friends, church and/or synagogue members for referrals.