OxfordPress.com

Most of those who need a caregiver are older; 80 percent are over 50. And according to a survey done by AARP and The National Alliance for Caregiving, 43 percent of caregivers are over 50 themselves.

If your relative suffers from dementia, try to plan most of the activities earlier in the day. As the day wears on, dementia patients often become fatigued and may become more difficult, confused and angry. This phenomenon is called the "sundown syndrome."

The chronic stress of caregiving can affect the caregiver's health.

Falls are a common cause of injury among older people. Some falls can be prevented by monitoring medication and continuing to help your relative work on muscle strength and balance.

Elder-law attorneys handle legal issues affecting the elderly, including powers of attorney, estate planning, Medicare and Medicaid issues, insurance disputes, fraud cases and similar issues.

Powers of attorney must be executed while the individual is still competent.

The care recipient should be given as much autonomy as possible.

Adult day services, respite programs and short-term institutionalization offer needed breaks from caregiving responsibilities.

Medicaid may cover the costs of long-term nursing home care if your relative has no other resources; Medicare coverage is usually limited to the first few weeks of medically necessary care and does not pay for support services for activities of daily living like dressing, bathing, and using the bathroom.