Editor, Gazette-Journal:

Among other recognitions, November is also National Family Caregivers Month. Caregiving can be a rewarding experience, but also physically and emotionally demanding. The stress of dealing with long-term caregiving responsibilities leads to health issues for the caregiver. As a caregiver, remember to pay attention to your own physical and mental wellness, and get proper rest and nutrition. Only by taking care of yourself can you be strong enough to take care of your loved one.

Remember the three Rs—Rest, Recharge and Respite. People think of respite—a break—as a luxury, but considering caregivers’ higher risk for health issues from chronic stress, those risks can be much costlier than some time away to recharge. The chance to take a breather, the opportunity to re-energize, is vital in order for you to be as great a caregiver tomorrow as you were today.

As one caregiver said, “The adult day care truly saved my life. My brother, a...