ALS & Caregiver Self-Care
![ALS & Caregiver Self-Care](https://931124.p3cdn2.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/als-caregiver-self-care.png?time=1722016283)
Taking care of yourself
Self-care strategies:
![Choking](https://931124.p3cdn2.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/strategies-01.png?time=1722016283)
![Get good quality sleep](https://931124.p3cdn2.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/strategies-02.png?time=1722016283)
![Spend some time outdoors](https://931124.p3cdn2.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/strategies-03.png?time=1722016283)
![Eat a well-balanced diet](https://931124.p3cdn2.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/strategies-04.png?time=1722016283)
![Support groups](https://931124.p3cdn2.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/strategies-05.png?time=1722016283)
![Mind-body practices](https://931124.p3cdn2.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/strategies-06.png?time=1722016283)
![Journal](https://931124.p3cdn2.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/strategies-07.png?time=1722016283)
![Take short breaks](https://931124.p3cdn2.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/strategies-08.png?time=1722016283)
![Stay connected](https://931124.p3cdn2.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/strategies-09.png?time=1722016283)
![Plan someth](https://931124.p3cdn2.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/strategies-10.png?time=1722016283)
![Steve Quote](https://931124.p3cdn2.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/strategies-quote-1.png?time=1722016283)
![Kelly Quote](https://931124.p3cdn2.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/strategies-quote-2.png?time=1722016283)
![Develop a support system](https://931124.p3cdn2.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/pro-comm-01.png?time=1722016283)
![Reach out](https://931124.p3cdn2.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/pro-comm-02.png?time=1722016283)
![Talk with a mental health professional](https://931124.p3cdn2.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/pro-comm-03.png?time=1722016283)
![Explore Home Health](https://931124.p3cdn2.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/pro-comm-04.png?time=1722016283)
![Hiring a caregiver](https://931124.p3cdn2.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/pro-comm-05.png?time=1722016283)
![Facebook](https://931124.p3cdn2.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/green-fb.png?time=1722016283)
Caregivers have told us that social media community groups have helped them tremendously. Check out some of the most well-liked Facebook groups:
![Quote](https://931124.p3cdn2.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/support-quote.png?time=1722016283)
![Arrow](https://931124.p3cdn2.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/selfcare-green-arrow.png?time=1722016283)
![List](https://931124.p3cdn2.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/ask-01.png?time=1722016283)
![Instructions](https://931124.p3cdn2.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/ask-02.png?time=1722016283)
![Match Skills](https://931124.p3cdn2.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/ask-03.png?time=1722016283)
![List](https://931124.p3cdn2.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/ask-quote-01.png?time=1722016283)
![List](https://931124.p3cdn2.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/ask-quote-02.png?time=1722016283)
![!](https://931124.p3cdn2.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/caregiving-exclamation.png?time=1722016283)
Caregiver burnout
Stages of caregiver burnout
![Frustration](https://931124.p3cdn2.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/c-stages-01.png?time=1722016283)
Frustration
![Isolation](https://931124.p3cdn2.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/c-stages-02.png?time=1722016283)
Isolation
![Despair](https://931124.p3cdn2.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/c-stages-03.png?time=1722016283)
Despair
![Multiple roles](https://931124.p3cdn2.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/burnout-01.png?time=1722016283)
Multiple roles
![Heavy workload](https://931124.p3cdn2.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/burnout-02.png?time=1722016283)
Multiple roles
![Financial pressure](https://931124.p3cdn2.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/burnout-03.png?time=1722016283)
Financial pressure
![Lack of alone time](https://931124.p3cdn2.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/burnout-04.png?time=1722016283)
Lack of alone time
![Unrealistic expectations](https://931124.p3cdn2.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/burnout-05.png?time=1722016283)
Unrealistic expectations
![Lack of support](https://931124.p3cdn2.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/burnout-06.png?time=1722016283)
Lack of support
Symptoms of caregiver burnout
![Stress / Anxiety](https://931124.p3cdn2.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/c-burnout-01.png?time=1722016283)
![Irritability](https://931124.p3cdn2.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/c-burnout-02.png?time=1722016283)
![Appetite](https://931124.p3cdn2.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/c-burnout-03.png?time=1722016283)
![Sleep patterns](https://931124.p3cdn2.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/c-burnout-04.png?time=1722016283)
![Exhaustion](https://931124.p3cdn2.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/c-burnout-05.png?time=1722016283)
![Emotional withdrawal](https://931124.p3cdn2.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/c-burnout-06.png?time=1722016283)
![Loss of interest](https://931124.p3cdn2.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/c-burnout-07.png?time=1722016283)
![Feeling hopeless](https://931124.p3cdn2.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/c-burnout-08.png?time=1722016283)
![Neglecting your own needs](https://931124.p3cdn2.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/c-burnout-09.png?time=1722016283)
![Physical symptoms](https://931124.p3cdn2.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/c-burnout-10.png?time=1722016283)
![Difficulty coping](https://931124.p3cdn2.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/c-burnout-11.png?time=1722016283)
Caregiver abuse
Resources for caregivers
Veterans Affairs assistance for family caregivers
U.S. military veterans are twice as likely to develop ALS compared to non-veterans. Veteran Affairs (VA) offers benefits such as disability and caregiver compensation; grants for home and vehicle modifications; medications and supplies; and home health care and equipment. To learn more, visit: va.gov.
The Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) specialize in providing navigation services for veterans. You can reach their website at: pva.org.
Family caregivers provide essential support in caring for veterans. The VA recognizes the importance of family caregivers and has an assistance program for caregivers. To learn more, visit: caregiver.va.gov
Apps for caregivers
Learn more
My ALS Decision Tool™
ALS Learning Series
My ALS Communication Passport to Quality Care
Support Groups
Theses resources are made possible by a generous donation from the Gilbert & Jacqueline Fern Foundation and other donors to the Foundation.
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