Low risk (Score: 0-18)

From your answers, it appears that your responsibilities are not yet so extreme as to become a threat to your health and well-being. Great!

You are likely already doing some things to manage your stress. Keep it up, and think about preventing your stress from increasing. If you aren’t already networked with community programs, find out about available services. Most caregivers wait until there’s a big problem before getting more help. A good way to prevent stress is to take advantage of these resources before a crisis develops.

Many communities have programs available to assist caregivers, with services ranging from respite care to support groups. The federal government has a program called the Eldercare Locator. This free referral service can give you the number of the state or local Area Agency on Aging for your care receiver’s community. Information Specialists will know about the services in that region. You can call the Eldercare Locator toll-free, at 1-800-677-1116, or go to the website (www.eldercare.gov).

Caregivers who have used community services frequently say, “Why didn’t I do this sooner?!” Most of them agree that they had a million reasons why they felt they were the only ones who could assist their loved ones. It often took a crisis for them to reach out for help. In hindsight, they often say they were just too blinded by their love and sense of duty. Some also say they felt the need to be “the hero,” rather than allow others to pitch in. The message is clear: Before you reach the crisis stage, check into local programs and find ways to get help with your caregiving. You don’t have to do it alone.

Notable risk (Score: 19 or above)

From your answers, it appears that your responsibilities might mount up in a way that could become a threat to your health and well-being. Maybe your physical or emotional health is already being affected. You need to get some help with your caregiving. Dementia is a “long haul” illness. Many caregivers do not pace themselves; they keep adding one more task onto one more task and do not take time out for breaks. And as a result, it is not uncommon for caregivers to become resentful, angry and bitter. This can result in physical problems and family conflict that can reach crisis proportions.

Many communities have programs available to assist caregivers, with services ranging from respite care to support groups. The federal government has a program called the Eldercare Locator. This free referral service can give you the number of the state or local Area Agency on Aging for your care receiver’s community. Information Specialists will know about the services in that region. You can call the Eldercare Locator toll-free, at 1-800-677-1116, or go to the website (www.eldercare.gov).

Caregivers who have used community services frequently say, “Why didn’t I do this sooner?!” Most of them agree that they had a million reasons why they felt they were the only ones who could assist their care receivers. It often took a crisis for them to reach out for help. In hindsight, they often say they were just too blinded by their love and sense of duty. Some also say they felt the need to be “the hero,” rather than allow others to pitch in. The message is clear: Before you reach the crisis stage, check into local programs and find ways to get help with your caregiving. You don’t have to do it alone.