A new dementia diagnosis for a loved one is a shock. It means your life will be different than what you thought it would be. Now, in addition to being a wife, husband, son or daughter, you are a caregiver for someone with an unpredictable, progressive disease. Or maybe the diagnosis was made a while ago, but lately, it seems that they need more help from you than they did last year, or last week, or even yesterday.Here are some strategies for managing the role of caregiver:TAKE A BREAK FROM CAREGIVINGThis isnt selfish; its needed for your own well-being. You need to stay physically and mentally healthy to be an effective caregiver.NOURISH YOUR RELATIONSHIPSTake time to be the husband, the wife, the daughter, the son, the friend you always were. Maintain social connections for your well-being and the well-being of the person for whom you are caring. They still need you, they need emotional connections, they need to feel loved and know that they still matter.CREATE A ROUTINEAs dementia progresses, the familiarity of a routine will help them to be as independent with care as possible for as long as possible.JOIN A SUPPORT GROUPCaregiving can be isolating, and being with others in similar situations is a great way to receive support and validation, and to realize you are not alone.OTHER THINGS TO REMEMBERWhen youre frustrated, step away for a moment, calm down and then try again. Let people in your life know what you need from themdont make them guess, tell them. Learn as much as you can about the disease, what to expect, and what your family member needs from you. Life does not prepare anyone to be a dementia caregiver. Dementia360 can help.By giving you the support, resources and connections you need to be an effective caregiver, you will be able to keep your family member at home, living comfortably and safely, for as long as possible.You dont have to face this aloneits never too early or too late to ask for help. To connect with a Dementia360 consultant call 412.435.8950, email Dementia360@SrCare.org or visit PSCNDementia360.org.