5 Great Indulgences for Caregivers

There's nothing like a gift to lift the spirits -- even if it's "to" and "from" yourself. Best of all: a gift that keeps giving. The following ideas have the benefit of providing repeated mood-boosts because they come around regularly:

• An X-of-the-month club. Replace that X with words for your special treats and use an online search engine, and you'll find monthly shipments of flowers, fruits, cheese, books, beer, plants -- you name it.

• Join Netflix or another movie-rental service that transmits or sends you favorites as often as you need them.

• Sign up for coupons and gifts connected with your birthday at local businesses and online retailers. Many ice cream stores offer a free scoop to registered regulars; restaurants may offer free entrees, desserts, or drinks. Clothing retailers often offer discount coupons to those on their mailing lists.

• Be nice to yourself on Caregiver Monday. Resolve to make time for a supportive chat with a fellow caregiver to start the week in a positive frame of mind. Skype with a friend or call out to someone from your Alzheimer's Stage Group.

• Pick a monthly special treat. Haircut? Manicure? Movie? Fresh flowers from the market? Mark your intention in your datebook once a month for the rest of the year to help you commit to following through on a simple, well-deserved indulgence.