• Take 30 seconds, and on a piece of paper write down the top 3 most important things to you. When you are done, share what you wrote down.
• So where YOU on the list? Probably not.
• Caregivers tend to put themselves last or not at all on the list of priorities.

• Energy and sleep (87%)
• Stress and/or panic attacks (70%)
• Pain, aching (60%)
• Depression (52%)
• Headaches (41%)
• Weight gain/loss (38%)
• Do at least one basic preventative care practice less often than they used to (52%)
• Self-care suffers – lack of time/energy to prepare proper meals or exercise                                                                 
• Study from the National Alliance for Caregiving, Sept 2006

• Of course parenting a child with special needs is difficult, and it’s hard not to be depressed…but
• Don’t delay getting professional help when you need it.
• They won’t judge you, they are there to help.
• Will offer strategies for coping with pent up emotions.
• It will be a relief to let it off your chest

• Accept help – give a gift by accepting. Open your life to others. Accept the offer for help and suggest specific things that they can do.
• It is easier said than done because we feel like WE are the only ones who can do it all. BUT, be willing to let people into your life…even If they will see your dirty laundry.J
• Also, ASK for help, sometimes our loved ones don’t want to intrude or maybe they don’t know how to ask.

# 4 EDUCATE YOURSELF

• Educate yourself about yourself about one’s condition
• Communicate with doctors
• Information is empowering

• To technologies, and  ideas that promote your loved one’s independence
• There is a difference between caring and doing
• Let them fly! Believe in them!

• Most of the time they will lead you into the right direction

• Seek support from other caregivers. There is great strength in knowing you are not alone.
• Look for family organizations that provide support, like PATH/FVCT;Parent to Parent USA; Family Voices. There is one in every state.
• Get connected to a support parent who has been there and can provide emotional support.
• Find a caregiver buddy someone to call for a shoulder to cry on, or to vent
• Caregiver Resources
• National Family Caregiver Association: www.thefamilycaregiver.org
• Jessie Ferrell Author/Speaker: www.jesstalk.com
• Resources for family and professional caregivers: www.caregiver.com
• PATH/FVCT: www.pathct.org
• Parent to Parent USA: www.p2pusa.org
• Family Voices: www.familyvoices.org

• Grieve for your losses, then allow yourself to dream new dreams
• You may have to re-adjust them but don’t give them up. Be creative, ask others for suggestions. Accept help!

• When you are tired and sleep deprived you are more likely to get sick or injured.
• Keep your doctor’s appointments (ask someone to take over for you)
• Stretch; do some breathing exercises, yoga.
• Ask for a massage, ask your children. I ask my little one to climb on my back and give me little pounds, we often end up on the floor laughing.

• Find the miracle of everyday moments
• Laugh, be silly!
• Dance with ALL your children
• Plan pleasant events
• These are great ways to involve your other children

IF YOU WOULD LIKE THE POWERPOINT FOR A PRESENTATION PLEASE CALL PATH/FVCT : 203-234-9554