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If you are caring for a special-needs family member, here are some important steps to follow.

The National Family Caregivers Association recommends the following steps to address the stress of caregiving.

•  Break the overall caregiving job into individual tasks.
• Realize that asking for help is a sign of strength.
• Make a list of all the tasks to be performed, e.g., shopping, cooking, household upkeep, paperwork, doctor visits.
• Break the list down into categories, such as one-on-one care, transportation, grocery shopping, and housework.
• Make a second list of caregiving tasks that worry you most.
• Break the second list into categories, such as financial, health and emergency needs.
• Take some time to appreciate your progress so far.
• Sort the lists into four new categories:

Things that can’t be delegated

Things you enjoy doing

Things you dislike or find difficult

Things that “just have to get done”

• Consult with family and friends for their insights on how you’ve arranged your list.
• Select a small task and ask someone for help with it. Once you start, it gets easier to ask others for help -- making life better for you and the one for whom you’re caring.

For more helpful info, visit The National Family Caregivers Association.