At any point in the illness, you may begin to feel that taking care of the person is too much for you. You will do best for yourself and the impaired person if you have thought through some options for alternative care arrangements. Your health care team can help you get started. Your family and friends can also be a source of help. Community agencies may offer you a wide range of resources and types of help.
Nursing homes offer the option of temporary or permanent placement.
Explore your options early, and be prepared for your need when it comes. Your needs for regular rest, relaxation and pleasurable activities should be considered important too. An exhausted, depressed caregiver can't provide better care than a person who regularly takes breaks, keeps in touch with friends and occasionally takes a vacation. Sometimes putting yourself first will actually make you a better caregiver.