There is probably no task as rewarding as caring for another person. It is very important for caregivers to learn to care not only for the other person but for themselves.

If you are caring for someone, whether it is a parent, a spouse, a grandparent, an aunt or uncle, or a friend, you can't do it on your own. Two important resources are workshops and support groups. Workshops teach you more about caring for someone. They often teach you specific things you need to know about the condition involved, such as Alzheimer's. Support groups are meetings of caregivers who can express their frustrations, trade ideas, and pass on new information. Some good resources to know are:

• Alzheimer's Association: (800) 272-3900
• National AIDS Hotline: (800) 342-2437
• National Head Injury Foundation: (800) 444-6443
• American Heart Association: (800) 242-8721
• Huntington's Disease: (800) 345-HDSA
• American Cancer Society: (800) ACS-2345
• American Diabetes Association: (800) 232-3472
• Arthritis Foundation: (800) 283-7800
• National Osteoporosis Foundation: (800) 223-9994

The Alzheimer's Association provides additional information about Pick's disease and Parkinson's disease. The American Heart Association also provides information about strokes.

Remember that you and the person you are caring for will need a break occasionally. You may want to get away for a few hours by using a home health aide, a sitter, or an in-home respite service. For a longer break, consider senior day care centers or overnight stays in a skilled nursing facility.

One of the main tasks in caring for another person is to try to lower stress. This means getting as much help as possible to avoid getting burned out. Don't be afraid to ask for help.

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