You're in a caring professional field such as teaching, medicine or social work. Or, you're the oldest sibling in your family. Perhaps you're the only child. Maybe you've always been the closest person to your mom and dad.

If you fit into any of these categories, or others you can think of, you are eligible to be a primary caregiver for one of your parents or a friend or relative.

Giving care to another person can be a rewarding and memorable experience. It's a chance to bond with the individual you're caring for and a chance to grow as a person. It also is an important responsibility that requires planning, patience and good communication skills.

But giving care to another also can be a daunting task, which can sap your valuable time and personal store of resources. You have personal needs. And, if you have a family, their needs are important, too.

The good news is you don't have to handle the job on your own. Here's what you can do:

• Ask for help from your brothers and sisters, if you have them. If they can't assist you with actual caregiving, they can help pay for the cost of such necessary duties as cleaning and laundry. And there may be a time when a professional, home health aide is needed. You can ask for support and/or contributions in making that decision.
• Choose outside assistance. Your pastor or a counselor can provide valuable help in bringing you and siblings together or directing you to resources you may not have known existed. Emotional and prayerful support from these people is a good source of strength as well.
• Delegate as much as you can. We each have strengths. If you've been designated as the primary caregiver, that doesn't sentence you to doing everything by yourself. Recognize that your sibling may want to help. Find a way to spread the load to other family members or professionals. Compensate for your weaknesses so you can emphasize your strengths.
• Reach out to a surrogate. Not everyone has siblings, but there may be another relative who can offer help. And either you or your loved one may have a caring friend who can assist. Quality support for someone needing care can come from many directions. That's something every caregiver needs to know.
• Don't hesitate to ask. Nobody wants to see you become run down due to the caregiving role. If you need something, feel free to ask. Trying to do it all will only create another caregiving situation—your own. You won't be helping anyone if you wear out. One way or another, help is there. Be sure to ask.