Every single day, families are struggling to cope. Many are raising children, working demanding jobs, and trying to care for a senior family member. Advances in medicine and healthier lifestyles help seniors live longer and continue to lead more productive lives.

The numbers also tell another story. More and more children need to help care for their parents. Women, especially, are caught between balancing the care of their parents with piano lessons and Little League for the kids, a full-time job, church, community, and volunteer activities. These family caregivers eventually run out of hours in the day; the stress becomes too great and the balance is broken. That's where you come in.

As a dedicated CAREGiver^{SM, you can help these families restore balance, order and peace to their lives and help their loved ones remain at home.}

^{Caring for seniors is a labor of love that requires a special person with just the right touch. That's why, when you provide care with the Home Instead Senior Care® network, you become a CAREGiver with a capital "CARE."}

^{Becoming a paid caregiver is a unique job with many joys and rewards, as well as responsibilities and challenges, both physical and emotional. As a Home Instead CAREGiver, you'll meet wonderful people, build fulfilling relationships, and make a difference in the lives of your clients.}

^{You Can Thrive as a Caregiver - 3 Keys to Staying Positive, Energized}

^{If someone close to you has suffered a heart attack or been diagnosed with heart disease, you may be trying to adjust to a new way of living - as well as the new, often demanding role of caregiver. Caring for someone with heart disease may sometimes feel like a difficult - even overwhelming - challenge.}

^{That's why it's important to make sure you receive the physical and emotional help you need to thrive - not just survive - as a caregiver. "It's important to realize that heart disease doesn't just affect patients," explains UAB Manager of Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Bonnie Sanderson, PhD, RN. "Caregivers also face emotional and psychological challenges as a result of their loved one's illness. It's vital that they feel free to seek help from friends, family, and community resources."}

^{As a caregiver, you may be so busy taking care of your loved one that you neglect your own needs - leaving you feeling depleted, fatigued, and unable to give your best. Here are 3 important steps you can take today to help you stay positive, energized, and supported in your caregiving role.}

^{Have Realistic Expectations}

^{"When someone is diagnosed with heart disease or suffers a heart attack, the primary caregiver may often feel that he or she has to 'fix'things," says Dr. Sanderson. "Instead, you should realize that it may take time to adjust to your caregiving role. Also, you're going to need help from others - and you're not weak if you ask for help."}

^{Avoid placing unreasonable burdens on yourself or viewing caregiving as your exclusive responsibility. Instead, develop a plan for what you need in the way of support - and enlist help from all available resources.}

^{Share Your Feelings and Frustrations with Someone You Trust}

^{Caregivers often have feelings of guilt, fear, and even resentment. "It's important to know that these feelings are completely normal," stresses Dr. Sanderson. "What's more, open communication is vital for caregivers. You need to have someone with whom you can confide your feelings on a regular basis."}

^{Being able to share your feelings and concerns without fear of judgment can help you maintain a positive outlook and keep your stress level in check. If you don't have someone to fill this role, consider joining a caregiver support group.}

^{Set Aside Time for Yourself}

^{Many caregivers feel guilty when they spend time doing things for themselves rather than helping their loved ones. But as a caregiver, neglecting to take care of yourself can lead to fatigue, resentment, and even burnout - a condition of complete exhaustion.}

^{"You must give yourself permission to take care of yourself," says Dr. Sanderson. It's important to keep your body healthy and strong by eating right and getting plenty of sleep and exercise. "Also, you need to have regular quiet time to replenish you soul and clear your mind."}

^{The first step in dealing with caregiver stress is to recognize the signs. Then, you can find ways to deal with it and enlist support or medical help when needed.}