Health Tips for March 5

Health Tip: When Caregiving Becomes Too Stressful

Caring for a loved one who needs extensive help can be physically and emotionally draining. To continue providing loving care, it's important to monitor your own well-being, too.

Here are some warning signs of caregiver stress, courtesy of the American Academy of Family Physicians:

* Feeling unusually angry or resentful toward the person you care for, yourself or your family.
* Withdrawing from social activities.
* Anxiety.
* Sleeping too much or having difficulty sleeping.
* Feeling irritable.
* Being sick frequently.

Health Tip: End-of-Life Planning

Caregivers assume a host of vital responsibilities, but an easily neglected or often-avoided task is end-of-life planning.

Here are some suggestions, courtesy of the American Academy of Family Physicians:

* Be sure that your loved one makes advance directives, including instructions on what kinds of medical services he or she wants (or doesn't want) if unable to communicate.
* Talk to your loved one about receiving hospice care, which can help provide comfort as a disease or condition progresses.
* Be sure the person's finances are in order. Review the will, life insurance policy, and other legal documents with an attorney.
* Make funeral arrangements, according to your loved one's wishes.