Caring for a chronically ill, disabled or frail person is a physically and emotionally taxing experience. It is sad to see a parent, spouse, sibling, child or friend suffer and decline. And if you're the caregiver, you know it places tremendous demands on your time and lifestyle, often causing you to neglect your own needs.

Though caregiving is a labor of love, it's essential that you take care of yourself. Continued stress can take a tremendous toll on your health. So it's important that you give yourself permission to relax and enjoy life. Doctors and fellow caregivers offer these suggestions to help you ensure your own well being….

Get Smart. Educate yourself about your loved one's illness or disability. So you understand their capabilities and limitations, know when to encourage or assist them, and are prepared for what lies ahead. While you're at it, identify what organizations and resources are available to support you and your loved one.

Maintain a Life for Yourself. Don't let illness and disability put your life on hold, or isolate you from friends. Strive to balance your own needs with those of your loved ones.

Establish a Regular Routine. Your loved one will function better with a predictable routine and so will you. It will make you feel more in control and give you the opportunity to plan in some time for yourself.

Break for Sanity. Take mini breaks throughout the day to relax and recharge. For example, when the home nurse visits or your loved one is napping, enjoy a cup of tea, read scripture, dally in the garden, take a stroll or call a close friend.

Be Good to Yourself. Schedule a regular afternoon or evening off to do something strictly for you - get a facial or massage, play bridge, go to a movie or treat yourself to dinner out with a friend or family member.

Accentuate the Positive. Start a journal, making note of the blessings you enjoy, the positive things that happen, and the kind or funny words that are spoken to you. It's rewarding while you do it, and so nice to revisit when you feel the blues coming on.

Just Say Yes. Learn to accept offers of help. And if people ask how they may help, don't shrug off their well-intended query. Tell them you'd love it if they made your favorite cookies or casserole, shoveled your walk, ran an errand or sat 30 minutes with your loved one while you took a bubble bath.

Take Care of Yourself. Make exercise a regular part of your routine. Do something you like - walk, swim, bike or take a yoga class. They're all great ways to work off the stress of the day. And don't put off those health checks - be sure you have your routine physical exam, and all the other medical screenings and immunizations recommended for your gender and age. You need to be at your best!

Seek Support. Don't try to go it alone. Ask for support from family and friends. Take advantage of local support groups. (Middletown Regional Hospital can direct you to available support groups in the area.) There's comfort in knowing you're not alone, and you can learn helpful tips from others who are facing the same challenges as you are.

And don't overlook other resources that can provide adult day programming and respite care. McKnight Terrace, for example, offers a flexible adult day program that provides supervised care and stimulating activities for your loved one while you work or relax. When you want to get away for a three-day holiday or longer, McKnight Terrace also offers several respite care suites where your loved one can enjoy the same care and amenities as our residents.