• Anticipate and develop awareness early. Plan ahead and let the care receiver participate in decisions.
• Find out as much as you can about the disease.
• Contact a support group and get involved.
• Don't try to do everything yourself. Set limits and try to be realistic. Admit you are not superhuman.
• Think of your own aging and what your situation might be like.
• Find someone to confide in.
• Recognize early on that it won't get any easier.
• For your own well-being, take time for yourself.
• Find a place to be as normal as possible.
• Be confident with your decisions no matter what flack you may get.
• Allow your loved one as much grace and pride as possible. Recognize and affirm his/her self-worth.
• Deal with your crisis with humor. Don't let it get you down.
• Realize your loved one's limitations. Be patient and try to have realistic expectations.
• Keep active.
• Don't have too much pride to ask others for help.

For information about available programs and services or if you just need someone to talk with, don't hesitate to call the Alzheimer's Association Helpline at 713-314-1313 or toll free at 1-866-266-0515 . You are not alone.

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