It's difficult enough managing the to-do's in our own lives. Add to that the responsibility of in home care - managing every aspect of someone else's life too - and it can be overwhelming. Yet that is what millions of people do each year providing  care to their aging parents. According to a study by the National Alliance for Caregiving, more than fifty percent of those providing some form of care assistance for their parents experience increased levels of stress and strain, often to the point of being detrimental to their health.

 It is very important that while looking after the mental, emotional and physical health of a loved one that caregivers take precautionary steps to preserve their own.

To help ease the stress of caregiving, follow a few guidelines:

1. Maintain a healthy diet. You know how important eating well is to your aging parent. It is equally important to you. Make certain that you eat at least three balanced meals a day.

2. Exercise. You need all the strength you can get when caring for an aging parent, especially if they need assistance moving around.  Physical activity is a great stress reliever and the perfect way to re-energize yourself so you can be at your best while caring for a loved one.

3. Get plenty of sleep. Find a routine that ensures that you get your rest.

4. Take care of your health. Make certain that you go in for your regular medical checkup. The stress of caring for a loved one can affect your health, so it is even more important to see a doctor on a regular basis, as stress is one of the number one causes of physical illness.

5. Consider professional in home care. Whether you're helping your aging parent just a few days a week or 24/7, you and your loved one can benefit from in home care with a professional caregiver. There are many agencies that provide such care. For private careservices offered through Hallmark Health VNA and Hospice, please call the agency's Program Development Department at (781) 338-7903. Area agencies assisting elders can also provide valuable information about resources. These agencies include:

Chelsea, Revere, Winthrop Elder Services  781-286-0550

Greater Lynn Senior Services  (GLSS)   781-599-0110 (Serves Saugus, Lynn, Lynnfield, Swampscott)

Minuteman Home Care  781-272-7177   (Serves Arlington, Burlington, Woburn, Wilmington, Winchester)

Mystic Valley Elder Services 781-324-7705 (Serves Malden, Medford, Melrose,

Everett, N. Read, Reading, Stoneham, Wakefield)

Somerville/Cambridge Elder Services    617-628-2601