Family support

For some caregivers the immediate family is the greatest source of help.  For others, it is the biggest source of distress.  You may feel that you have been left to cope on your own as a caregiver, which can lead to bitterness and resentment.  If you are feeling distressed because family members are not supporting you, try to find out why they're not.  It may be helpful to call a family meeting to discuss the care of the person.

If you can't get help from your immediate family, try to get help from elsewhere.  Accept help from other family members and do not take on the burden of caring alone.  Try to arrange breaks from caring to give you the respite you need.  You may find that by looking after yourself, you feel less stressed about the lack of family support.