"Formal" caregivers are paid for their services and have had training and education in providing care. "Informal" caregivers, also called family caregivers, are people who provide care to family or friends, usually without payment.

Here are some suggestions: Make sure lighting in hallways and on stairs is adequate. Secure area rugs to prevent falls and slips. Outdoors, make certain railings, gates, and fences are secure and in good repair.

Assistive equipment includes shower seats and bathtub mats; walkers, canes, and wheelchairs; and telephones for the hearing-impaired.

Whether you are a spouse, child, sibling, parent, or friend of a cancer patient, it is important that you never stop expressing your love. Showing how much you care is not only important on holidays and special occasions; it should be done every day of the year.

Caregivers come in all shapes and sizes. They can be adult children, spouses, siblings, friends or neighbors, who help with daily activities such as bathing, feeding and clothing.

More than 22 million Americans are involved in some form of helping elderly family members or friends with their daily routines. If you're part of this group, whether you call yourself a caregiver, or simply a good daughter or son, you know that caring for an aging parent or friend has its rewards and its trials.

In a mutual support group, people just like you face similar ordeals and challenges.

Be available. Sometimes, people who are grieving do not want to talk or listen, nor do they want you to talk or listen. They simply want you to be there for them.

Be kind to yourself. Be among people with whom you feel free to be yourself. Set some time apart for quiet remembrance.