FCSfit Wellness Wednesday: For the Caregivers 

Relationships - if we're fortunate - may span many decades of our lives. What this can mean, of course, is that you find yourself in a relationship where you've shifted roles, and you're now one of the millions of Americans who care for a family member, neighbor, or friend. If so, then November is for you -- it's been officially designated National Family Caregivers Month.
USDA, National Institute of Food and Agriculture, Family and Consumer Sciences, an Alliance for FCS partner, has curated some helpful resources for those in this role in their October newsletter. 

One featured organization that's dedicated to helping caregivers is the Caregiver Action Network. Their website features different scenarios and accompanying resources for each, like being a long-distance caregiver, a "sandwich generation" caregiver, or one who's adjusting to the "new normal" of being a new caregiver. 

Below are the Network's 10 Tips for Family Caregivers with links to more in-depth info: 

1. Seek support from other caregivers. You are not alone!
2. Take care of your own health so that you can be strong enough to take care of your loved one.
3. Accept offers of help and suggest specific things people can do to help you.
4. Learn how to communicate effectively with doctors.
5. Caregiving is hard work so take respite breaks often.
6. Watch out for signs of depression and don't delay getting professional help when you need it.
7. Be open to new technologies that can help you care for your loved one.
8. Organize medical information so it's up to date and easy to find.
9. Make sure legal documents are in order.
10. Give yourself credit for doing the best you can in one of the toughest jobs there is!