Although most of the research has focused on the burdens of being a caregiver, some people report that helping family members is very satis¬fying. Many take on the role of caregiver automatically, unquestioningly, and comfortably, even if it means a disruption in plans, routines, and a lot of self-sacrifice. Caregivers, both men and women, often report finding meaning in the role because it fits with their personal, spiritual, or reli¬gious values and philosophy of life.

Even at its best, caregiving can test a person’s ingenuity and patience. Although people vary greatly in styles of caregiving and in their feelings about the role, some caregivers have found ways to make the burdens lighter. Professionals who work with caregivers suggest a few strategies for coping with caregiver stress:

• Take care of yourself. Many caregivers find themselves so busy caring for others that they neglect their own routine health care, or delay seeing a doctor until new problems are in an advanced state.
• Share the load. Find others to help out and to talk to. Often other family members, friends, and neighbors would welcome the chance to help, but may not know how. Let them know specific things you would find helpful, whether it is taking your car to be serviced, or relieving you so that you can take a 30-minute walk.
• Use community resources. Learn about resources available to help family caregivers, including support groups, in-home services, respite care (substitute caregivers), adult day care, and individual and/or family counseling. These services often have fees adjusted for a client’s ability to pay.
• Look on the bright side to improve your quality of life. Find the humor in daily life and allow yourself to laugh. When you do get a break, do something you really like, with¬out guilt. As with all life’s stressful challenges, a positive attitude can go a long way in reducing the feeling of burden and bringing to light the hidden rewards of a difficult situation.