Issue link: https://www.newlifestylesdigital.com/i/211860
give during take off? "If the cabin loses pressure, an oxygen mask will drop down from the bulkhead. If you are traveling with someone who needs assistance, put your own mask on first." They are right. You can't help someone else if you are gasping for air, but that's what caregivers are always trying to do. You can't give and give without renewing your energy. We fill our cars up with gas when they are empty. Can't we be at least as good to ourselves? Sixty five percent of family caregivers don't get help from family or friends. Perhaps part of the reason is because we don't ask for it, or don't accept it when it is offered. There is nothing wrong in asking for, or accepting, help. There is no reason to martyr yourself. SEEK/ACCEPT AND AT TIMES DEMAND ASSISTANCE from others to lighten your load. That's NFCA's third Principle of Caregiver Self Advocacy. Often friends want to help, but they don't know how. We've all heard people say: "Call me if you need me." What do you have to lose by accepting the offer? Many people who want to help sometimes need a concrete suggestion on how they can benefit you the most. The next time someone says, "Call me if you need me," try responding "would you be willing to stay with Jack while I go get a haircut on Saturday morning?" The last, and perhaps most valuable part of NFCA's Principles of Caregiver Self Advocacy is the strength that comes from knowing your are not alone. There are approximately 18 - 25 million family caregivers in this country. We are everywhere, yet we are invisible. But we don't have to be. Family caregivers can be a powerful force for change in their own lives, and in the lives of their loved ones, if they are willing to speak out and be their own advocates. STAND UP AND BE COUNTED, that is NFCA's fourth principle of caregiver self advocacy. I hope you will use these principles to take control of your life, to honor, value and love yourself, and to find the help you need. You'll be a happier person and a more successful caregiver because of it. Who cares about family caregivers? We do! NATIONAL FAMILY CAREGIVERS ASSOCIATION (NFCA) is the only national membership organization dedicated to improving the quality of life of America's 25 million family caregivers. Whether you care for an aging parent, a disabled or chronically ill spouse, or a special needs child—join us for support, access to resources, education, and a chance to give caregivers a national voice. 10400 Connecticut Ave., Ste. 500, Kensington, Maryland 20895-3944 1-800-896-3650 NFCA 93