1. Make a realistic financial plan. Get financial advice if necessary.

2. Keep lines of communication open among family members. Deciding who is best-suited as the primary caregiver is based on discussion, not assumption. Include the care recipient in the discussion.

3. Set limits around your caregiving. And remember: no one is perfect.

4. Remember that other caregivers are the best source of unconditional support. Reach out. Join a support group.

5. Seek out community support: respite care, palliative care, disease-specific organizations, homemaking services, emergency response services.

6. Learn about the medical condition of the care recipient so you will know what to expect and what to do to maximize therecipient's independence.

7. Be an advocate. Insist on answers from physicians, healthcare professionals, product and service suppliers.

8. Ask questions. "I don't know" is a healthy start to gaining knowledge and finding solutions.

9. Remember that love means doing what people need, not necessarily what they want.

10. Maintain your own physical and mental health, lifestyle, friendships and activities. Above all, keep a sense of humour.