With the aging of our population there has been a increased need for caregivers, either professional, or those who fill the role out of love due to an aging spouse, parent or loved one. There is also a large population of caregivers of disabled children, afflicted with various things such as autism, mental retardation, Down’s Syndrome or other disorders.  At any rate, it is important that you as a caregiver proactively do things to take care of yourself and work to avoid caregiver burnout.

Here are some useful sources of information that you might want to check out.

Music For Caregivers

Did you know that music is a great stress reliever?  It is also a wonderful way to connect with both the elderly and the young.  Beyond that it is plain old fun and enjoyment that can be worked into many aspects of your day.

• American Music Therapy Association – Fact Sheet on Alzheimer’s and music therapy.
• American Music Therapy Association – Fact Sheet on autism and music therapy.

Music is a power and a language that crosses all borders and generations.

Great Music for Stress Relief

• Vivaldi: The Four Seasons Various studies have shown that if you listen to classical music while eating will cause you to eat less, enjoy your food more, digest more easily and attain other health benefits. I have always loved Vivaldi’s Four Seasons.  It is one of my very favorites to enjoy over dinner.
• The Most Relaxing Classical Music in the Universe Many of the world’s great composers are on this album including, Pachelbel, Mozart and Beethoven. This album is perfect for the practice of mental imagery or meditation and can also soothe you to sleep.
• Michael Powers A great Seattle area jazz and blues guitarist, Michael Powers, is constantly coming out with new and better music.  One of my favorites is 20 Songs for 20 Years.
• Abbey Road (Remastered) Who can compare with The Beatles?  So much has been said about the Beatles, that I doubt I can add anything new.  I can only say that one of my favorite albums is Abbey Road.
• Duets: An American Classic Tony Bennett just never stops. As an eighty year old, his voice is incredible. This CD is loaded with top performers including Paul McCartney, Sting, James Taylor and Barbara Streisand. Be sure to buy this album! It will make you smile.
• Musicians Who Support Autism Awareness Here is a list originally provide by “Autism Connections” MySpace site.

Music Library

Create your own personal stress relief music collection and sort it into categories.  Here are a some category ideas to get you started:

• For your work out
• For housework and chores
• For dinner
• For driving
• For meditation and prayer

Preventing and Dealing with Burnout

• The Caregiver Manual – Comprehensive resource for caregivers, including articles on how to decrease stress, find support, and balance your time. (Strength for Caring)
• Family Caregiving 101 – Offers advice, information, and support for caregivers. Includes a directory of resources, including financial advisers, support groups, and elder care organizations. (National Family Caregivers Association and the National Alliance for Caregiving)
• Recognizing and Coping With Caregiver Burnout – This page, linked to a page on “Getting help to prevent burnout,” is on a terrific, comprehensive Canadian site about caregiving. (Peel Public Health)
• Preventing Caregiver Burnout – Part of a handbook and resource guide for caregivers in Florida. Examines the signs of caregiver burnout and how to handle it. Includes tips for caregivers who are themselves challenged by age or infirmity. (Area Agency on Aging of Pasco-Pinellas)
• Information Library – 100 fact sheets and publications on numerous caregiving issues. (Family Caregiver Alliance)
• Tips for Caregivers – Provides information to help caregivers prevent burn-out and relieve the stresses of caregiving. (National Family Alliance)
• Tips for Family Caregivers – Ten important tips for caregivers. (National Family Caregivers Association)
• Online Guide to Caregiving – A comprehensive collection of articles and tools to assist caregivers. (AARP Magazine)
• Advice for Caregivers / Terminal Illnesses – Contains articles that present advice for caregivers faced with terminal illness patients. (Terminal Illness)

Locate a Caregiver

Family Caregiver Alliance’s Family Care Navigator, provides a state-by-state resource intended to help you locate services for family caregivers and resources for older or disabled adults.

The Resources For Caregivers by Hartzog Chris, unless otherwise expressly stated, is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial 3.0 United States License.