As the population ages, more people are finding themselves in the role of “caregiver” for their parents, spouses, loved ones or elderly friends. What does that mean exactly?

If you answer yes to one or more of the following questions, you can be classified as a caregiver:

. Do you drive an older person to medical appointments?

. Do you prepare meals regularly and try to make sure that the person is eating properly?

. Do you help with cleaning and laundry?

. Do you help with bathing or dressing?

. Do you make sure that medications are being taken properly?

There are many reasons that people become caregivers. Whether it is done willingly or simply because there is no one else to perform these duties, the role itself can be stressful.

Caring for a loved one can be enormously rewarding, but it also can be frightening and frustrating. Seeing an ill or aging loved one become increasingly dependent on outside help may prompt fear, anger and subsequent guilt.

Caregivers often have children and jobs that require large amounts of time already. Include caregiving duties for elders in the mix and it can be a recipe for burnout.

There are some things that you can do to ease the strain.

First, watch for the signs of burnout. If you are unusually tired, cranky, quick-tempered or overly emotional, it may be time to reach out and talk to someone. Confiding in a trusted friend or professional can be helpful if you find yourself becoming discouraged or overburdened.

Second, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Friends and family members often are willing to pitch in but just are not sure what to do. Make a list of things you need and ways in which they can help. Simple things, such as picking up a pizza for dinner, can relieve some of the pressure.

Most important, be sure to take care of yourself. Eat right, exercise, and get enough rest. Take a little time just for you. Even 30 minutes of doing nothing can feel great, if you allow yourself the time to do it. And do not feel guilty about it. It is necessary to preserve your physical and mental well-being.

Eastern Agency on Aging wants to know more about your needs as a caregiver. Are there services that could be helpful but are unavailable? Are there certain problems you face that we could address? We want your opinion.

“In the coming months we will be hosting an informal get-together for caregivers at our Bangor office,” said Deb Chapman, director of outreach services at Eastern Agency on Aging. “We want to hear from men, women, spouses, siblings, adult children, friends and neighbors who are caring for a person 60 years of age or older.”

Eastern Agency is in the process of researching and developing a Family Caregiver Support Program. The goal is to learn more about existing services that support caregivers and what informational resources would be most helpful, Chapman said.

Here’s where you come in. We are looking for 10 to 15 people who consider themselves caregivers to participate in the meeting. Call Eastern Agency on Aging at 941-2865 if you are interested in attending. As soon as the details are complete, you will be contacted and informed of dates and times.

“If interest exceeds our limit, we may conduct a written or telephone survey with those who are not able to participate in the group,” Chapman said.

Watch this column for information on the official launch of the Family Caregiver Support Program slated for early spring 2002.

Remember, if you are a caregiver, don’t forget to take good care of yourself.

Carol Higgins is director of communications at Eastern Agency on Aging. For information on programs and services provided by EAA, call Chuck or Marilyn at 941-2865.