As many as 44 million Americans spend a lot of time caring for older parents, in-laws, grandparents and other older loved ones. And so we'd like to pass along some tips for avoiding caregiver burnout that we received recently from the American Geriatric Society's Foundation for Health in Aging (FHA):

Get information. To help you plan and prepare for the future, learn as much as you can about your older loved one's health problems and needs, and how they are likely to change over time. Learning about care options your loved one may require later will help you prepare and feel more secure. The award-winning FHA guide, Eldercare at Home, includes a wealth of information on caring for an aging loved one. You can find a free, printable version by going to www.nextsteps.net and clicking on "useful links" and "Eldercare at Home."

Help your loved ones help themselves. By putting a special no-slip seat in the shower or bath; installing "grab bars" in the bathroom and near your loved one's bed; moving kitchen supplies to lower shelves; or even getting easy-grip can openers and other utensils, you can make it possible for an older relative to keep doing certain things independently.

Ask trustworthy family, friends and neighbors for assistance. Perhaps a neighbor can take your mother to the grocery store once a week, or a sibling could help make meals for Mom on weekends. Explain what needs to be done, but try not to criticize if others don't care for your loved one in exactly the way you would. The important thing is that her needs are met.

Take care of yourself, too. Eating well, exercising, and taking time to relax and enjoy yourself are key to avoiding burnout. If you take care of yourself, you'll be able to take better care of your aging family member.

Don't take it personally. If your older relative has dementia or other mental or emotional problems, he or she may act out or say hurtful things. Remind yourself that this behavior is a result of illness, and try not to take it to heart.

Talk about it. Talking about your experiences and feelings can make caregiving less stressful. Join a caregiver support group in your area to be able to share your thoughts, feelings, and information with others in similar circumstances

Contact professionals and organizations that assist caregivers. A wide array of programs, agencies, organizations, and individuals in your community can help you manage the challenges of caring for an older relative. Some assistance may be free, but expect to pay for others.

Your local Area Agency on Aging may be your best initial resource. Look in the white pages of your telephone book under "Area Agency on Aging," "Senior Center" or "Senior Services." Possibly, an Area Agency on Aging caseworker can visit you and your loved one and give you information about different sources for the help you need, how much this help might cost and how you can get financial assistance.

Check with your local United Way. Religious organizations, such as Catholic Charities or your local Council of Churches, also can help you find help.

Social workers at hospitals or home-health agencies, and specially trained professionals called "geriatric care managers," can help, too. Generally, geriatric care manager assistance is not covered by insurance.

From there, you can seek out professionals who can give you assistance and advice on paying for the services your loved one needs, helping you complete necessary paper work, and providing transportation to take your loved one shopping or to and from medical appointments. Meals on Wheels, for example, prepares meals and delivers them to your loved one's home. Respite care services offer trained helpers to come to your loved one's home so you can take a break. "Home helpers" visit your loved one for an hour or two at a time to help with bathing, light housekeeping, cooking and errands.

Adult day care provides several hours of activities that are supervised by health-care staff. Special adult day care programs are available for people with dementia, depression and social problems. Home nursing services -- including visits from Registered Nurses, private-duty nurses, nurses' aides and hospice staffs -- also can be arranged.

Taking the NextStep: For more information, contact the American Geriatrics Society at www.americangeriatrics.org.