• Learn as much as you can about the care recipient's condition and treatment, so that you know what is going on and what you need to do.
• Find support from family, friends, volunteers and your local health network. You may think this is your responsibility to care for a loved one, but you don't have to do it alone.

• There is home and community care available through Richmond Home Health (604-875-4510).
• Richmond Better at Home (604-279-7021) offers services to help seniors remain independent in their own homes and stay connected with the community.
• There's also our Caregiver Hub, offering one-on-one coaching and emotional support, information & referral, educational workshops and support groups, contact us today.
  
  

• Stay in touch with your loved ones, as well as other family members, caregivers and healthcare professionals, with regular phone calls, video calls, online meetings etc.
• Develop a good understanding of the care recipient's health issues and other needs.
• Rather than feeling guilty about the ways you can't contribute, focus on what you can do to support your loved one.

• You can reach out to your family doctor or a healthcare professional.
• Richmond Family & Friend Caregiver Hub provides emotional support, information & referrals, and educational workshops to caregivers and promotes the importance of self-care as part of your caregiving duties. Take a look around our website and get in touch with us.

• Medical supplies and equipment can be quite costly, the Provincial Government may be able to help offset some of the cost, see Medical Equipment & Devices Policy.
• The Red Cross has a health equipment loan program, visit their website to learn more.
• If you are not able to work in order to care for a loved one, you may be eligible for EI caregiving benefits and leave.

• Feeling overwhelmed or constantly worried
• Feeling tired often
• Getting too much sleep or not enough sleep
• Gaining or losing weight quickly
• Becoming easily irritated or angry
• Losing interest in activities you used to enjoy
• Having frequent headaches, bodily pain, or other physical problems
• Abusing alcohol or drugs, including prescription medications

Chronic stress can harm your health and may cause you to relinquish your caregiving duties sooner. It's not selfish to take care of yourself, it is wise.