Caregiver tips and updates.

As a caregiver, you need the support of your family, friends and community.

Being a caregiver takes courage, patience, persistence and the support of family, friends and the community. If you are a caregiver, remember to take care of yourself. Here are some solutions for caregivers to help prevent burnout.

Benefits of using the Sharp Resource Center.

The Senior Resource Center is focused on connections and resources. San Diego County has a vast array of resources available for older adults and caregivers. At the Senior Resource Center, we endeavor to deliver The Sharp Experience to those who are seeking more information. We do this by offering consultations, phone calls and resource support when it matters most. The benefit of utilizing this service is that you can talk with experts in resources to ensure that you're getting the right resource at the right time.

Make free time.

Free time is cherished and rare. Consider using adult day care centers or homemakers to help alleviate the burden of caring for someone around the clock.

Adult day care centers offer care recipients therapeutic social interaction, and health services if needed. Contact San Diego County's Aging & Independence Services at 1-800-510-2020 for a list of adult and social day care centers.

Hiring a homemaker to help with housekeeping chores and serve as a companion for care recipients can also help. Check the Yellow Pages under "Home Health Services" for agencies that can provide homemakers.

Find support.

Instead of doing everything to the point of breaking down physically or emotionally, search out and accept assistance from others, including family, friends and health agencies. One of the most effective ways you can take care of yourself is by joining a support group where you can trade ideas, exchange resource information and discuss solutions to handling difficult situations.

Connect with local resources.

Several local agencies can provide information on services available to help with the caregiving burden:

• 211 San Diego
• Caregiver Coalition of San Diego
  • Caregiver Handbook
• Southern Caregiver Resource Center

Get help with meals.

Nutrition is an issue that continually arises when taking care of a family member or friend. Meals on Wheels (1-800-573-6467) delivers low-cost hot lunches and cold suppers seven days a week. This service not only offers nourishment but also adds social interaction to those who may be living alone.

Senior nutrition sites also serve low-cost lunch at local senior centers. This nonthreatening avenue can also encourage seniors to become involved in outside activities.

For someone who has difficulty shopping for groceries, agencies and businesses exist that will shop for them for a reasonable fee. Contact Aging & Independence Services at 1-800-510-2020 for more information.