Issue link: http://viewer.e-digitaledition.com/i/251401
DOCTOR DISCUSSION MEAL PROVIDED '' '' MEETING THE PHYSICAL, emotional, and other daily needs of a sick or disabled loved one can be exhausting. "Find ways to take care of yourself so you can thrive," says Valerie Heintz, volunteer coordinator and Transitions coordinator at KishHealth System Hospice. "If a caregiver becomes so worn out that he or she can't provide help, both people are negatively affected." LEAN ON OTHERS Caregivers need a support network comprised of friends, family members, or other sources. "It's important for caregivers to ask for help," Heintz says. "Community resources can be a gold mine of information. The perfect answer may not exist, but a caregiver will benefit by checking out what's available. You may not be aware of resources that can provide relief." TAKE A BREAK Set aside time to grab coffee with friends, see a movie, or just chat. Friends can offer the opportunity to vent about daily stress or provide a needed break in the form of compan- ionship and easy conversation. COMMUNICATE, COMMUNICATE, COMMUNICATE Sharing your needs and the needs of your loved ones with friends, family, and healthcare providers is essential to taking care of yourself and your family member. Turn to KishHealth System Hospice for tips about how to communicate effectively and assertively. Caregiving is emotionally difficult. Caregivers typically experience a whirlwind of emotions and find their whole world is changing. These feelings are normal. How you respond to those feelings is crucial. —HELEN MAURER, LCSW, SOCIAL WORKER WITH KISHHEALTH SYSTEM HOSPICE Care Caregiver IF YOU ARE AMONG THE 65 MILLION AMERICANS SERVING AS A PRIMARY CARETAKER FOR A FAMILY MEMBER, CARING FOR YOURSELF NEEDS TO BE A PRIORITY. F O R T H E To learn more about resources for caregivers, call KishHealth System Hospice at 815.756.3000. Caring for the Caregiver classes are held regularly in DeKalb. To register, visit kishprograms.org. Eat to Beat Heart Disease Laurie Chilton, RN, Peggy Marchini, RD, and Jo Cessna, healthy culinary instructor, explore the top researched foods that can reduce your risk and how this information applies to daily choices. Recipes and samples provided. Turn to center spread for more information. KISHPROGRAMS.ORG 3 ⁄ S PR I N G 1 4