By Rachel V. Clarkson

Being a care-giver to a loved-one can be a challenging and difficult task if you're unprepared for the physical and emotional demands it can make on you. On the other hand, it can also be a very rewarding role - especially if you have some good guidelines to help you be the best care-giver you can be. Here are 6 essential rules that will help you on your way:

1.Take pride in your role
Before you become a care-giver, define the reasons you have chosen to become one, e.g., you might feel you're able to offer your loved-one better care than they might receive from an institution or you may believe you can help your loved-one's healing process. Whatever the reasons, recognize how important a nurturing, understanding and loving care-giver is to a patient. Know the value of your role and don't lose sight of the reasons why you became a care-giver - this will help you receive more satisfaction from what you do.

2.Don't help too much
Sometimes, it's unhealthy to do too much for your loved-one. Most patients would rather be in a position where they can help themselves. Establish which tasks your loved-one might be happier doing on their own, e.g., brushing their hair or choosing what to wear. Allow them to have a say in how they are cared for, too - ask their opinion and allow them to be part of your decision-making process. Respect your loved-one's dignity and treat them how you might want to be treated if the roles were reversed.

3.Resources
Make the most of resources in your community which may help you have a much-needed break at times, but could also make your job much easier. These resources could include respite care, hospice programs, adult day-centers and nurse assistants. You can also make use of support groups for care-givers to ensure you have good emotional support yourself. These can be found online or locally.

4.Care for yourself
The best care-giver is one who is healthy, happy and physically able to provide the care needed. It's easy for care-givers to neglect their own needs and become depressed, run-down and ill themselves. Make time for yourself - for the things you enjoy - like spending time with friends or going to a movie. Also, never neglect your own health - having regular and balanced meals and exercising regularly will help you stay in good physical condition and help you beat stress, too.

5.Learn as much as you can
Take the time to talk to your loved-one's health care adviser about their condition or illness. Ask them questions if there is anything you are unsure about or don't understand. Also, use the library or online resources to research and understand more. This will help you anticipate your loved-one's medical needs and the best ways to encourage healing or provide comfort.

6.Enlist as much practical support as you can get
If a family member or friend asks if they can lend you a hand, don't be afraid to say yes. Care-giving is a demanding role and it's good to accept all the help you can get. Also, find out about practical aids that can make your daily tasks easier and support the comfort of your loved-one. These include toileting, bathing and dressing aids and also products such as an alternating pressure mattress that prevents bedsores for the bedridden.

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