Take a Team Approach

Don't expect that you can always do everything on your own. Even if you’re the only child or the only child in the area, you will need others to help. They want to help. They just need to know what to do. You're the quarterback. Call the play.

There are lot of ways family members and friends can help - locally or from a distance. Have meeting with your team of friends and family. Talk about the daily, weekly and monthly needs of your loved one and work together to find ways to share the duties. If you have local team members, consider a regular respite night - not to run errands - but to give yourself time to recharge.

What if no one lives nearby? Here are a few quick ideas for duties that can be managed from a distance:

· Order groceries for delivery

· Place Amazon orders for items needed

· Request pharmacy orders by mail

Research is another good way to help remotely - everything from cleaning services to home care companies to treatment options require significant research. Let your shopping savvy sister or your everything digital nephew do the research for you.

Top Tip for Primary Caregivers: Form an alliance with someone else you trust who may be in a similar situation and exchange care errands.

“I have a pact with a friend who takes care of her dad. When I know I am going out of town, I make sure she is available to help my mom should she need something urgently, and I do the same for her dad. We call ourselves the back-up daughters.” Kim C.