Stevea Robbins here.

Welcome to the Get It Done Guy's quick and dirty tips to work less and do more.

As longtime listeners of Get It Done Guy know, most of my episodes deal with charming, lighthearted topics,

like, rollicking in the meadow with bunnies during the zombie apocalypse.

Today's topic, however, is serious.

Nothing can overwhelm your life like becoming a caretaker.

Two of my close friends are caretakers for relatives with life-threatening illnesses.

Several years ago, I cared for my mother as she battled cancer,

and in between the traditional stages of anger, denial, depression, bargaining, and acceptance,

I did take the time to keep a learning log.

Yes, I'm that geeky. This week, I will share some

important tips on logistical support for tough times so that you can save time, emotion,

and maybe even a life. Michael and Jeff, this one's for you. Tip number one, get a sitter.

When a serious illness hits, you'll discover depths of yourself you have never known before.

You thought working at in-and-out chicken mart as a teenager was stressful?

Think again.

Your first move is to build a support system so that you can get enough sleep and take care of yourself in order to be there for your loved one.

If your husband, wife, spousal equivalent, or polyamorous family unit is bedridden,

your first step is to get a sitter.

Sitters are nurses or nurses' aides, who you hire privately, and they're qualified to help.

They can dispense medication, they can help someone to the bathroom, and sometimes even cook.

If possible, get someone to take over at least 12 of the 24 hours in the day

...