The caregiver role is complex and differs for everyone depending on the needs of the care-receiver (patient). Many times, in the beginning, there may only be a few needs, such as providing transportation or helping with shopping or cooking. Over time, needs increase, requiring additional services, until the care-receiver is fully dependent on the caregiver.
Becoming a caregiver is a big undertaking and it doesn't come with a specific job description. Often the role of caregiving is unexpected and comes at a time when you are prepared. Keep in mind, that even the most prepared caregivers face new challenges every day.
The challenges of caregiving are well known. Adults are living longer and their healthcare concerns are increasing. Given the current economic conditions, financial difficulties are on the rise making it more difficult for aging adults to remain independent in their homes. There are over 37,000,000 caregivers who need all of the help they can get.
Every caregiver should keep caregiving records on a daily basis. The Caregiver's Care Plan is very similar to the Nurse's Plan of Care and the Hospice Plan of Care. It is a daily record of the care and treatment of the care-receiver. It provides a record of events that assist everyone on the Caregiving Team. Daily records become a reference tool that may be reviewed as needs and conditions change. Think of it as a home healthcare management system.
Here are some reasons to keep caregiving records:
Most importantly, keeping daily records will let you regularly reassess the needs of your loved one, to ensure better healthcare.
In the long run, keeping caregiving records will help you save time and money. You can reduce costs and doctor's visits by keeping trusted members of the Care Team up-to-date about your loved one's condition.
Reduce stress. An online organizer is an effective time management tool that helps you stay organized and ease caregiving stress.
It allows another caregiver to take your place fairly easily.
It is easier to share information with family members and trusted friends. An online organizer will help communication flow easier.
An online organizer allows you to enlist the help of others. It makes it easier to schedule shared tasks and responsibilities.
It helps you to better manage your workload.
A daily audit will help to increase both care-receiver and caregiver satisfaction.
Helps to incorporate a plan of action for setting boundaries and maintaining them. This helps to reduce caregiver stress.
Reduce clutter. It's good to have all of your loved one's records in place rather than having dozens of pieces of paper will individual notes.
Once you start keeping caregiving records of daily activities of your loved one, you will notice how much easier it is to do your job. Get started today.
This article was written by Rebecca Sharp Colmer, a Certiified Senior Advisor and the creator of MeAndMyCaregiver(s), a service designed to help both the care-receiver and the caregiver. It is a lot more than just a personal health record stored online. It is a personal life record and life management system.
Monday, August 17, 2009
Caregiver Help: 10 Things Every Respite Caregiver Needs to Know
If you are a family caregiver there will come a time when you need a break. It may only be for an hour or two or for a day or two. This is when a respite caregiver will step in.
Respite services cover a wide range. They may include volunteer services, adult day care for the care-receiver, or even a care-receiver's brief stay in a nursing home or assisted living facility. They also could include a private duty nurse or adult foster care. Respite caregiving may be provided by a different family member or a friend who can stay with the care-receiver to give you a short break.
It is a good idea to schedule regular respite care so the primary caregiver always has a scheduled, much needed break. Without respite care, the caregiver stands a good chance of developing stress overload or burnout. It is important that the caregiver and care-receiver have some time away from each other. Assistance from a respite caregiver is invaluable to the primary caregiver. The primary caregiver needs to have time for him/herself.
You can help make the respite caregiver's job easier if you supply him/her with specific information about the care-receiver. Here are ten topics to discuss in advance.
1. Does the care-receiver understand instructions?
2. Emergency Preparedness. Discuss 911 preferences. Review emergency procedures. Review your exit and escape plan. Where are the Advance Directives located?
3. Does the care-receiver use any medical equipment or have any special needs such as, catheter care, hearing aid, shaving, peri-care, mouth/oral care, foley bag, dressings changed, dentures, etc. If yes, when, and does he/she need assistance?
4. Can the care-receiver move around unassisted? Is he/she bedbound, need help repositioning? Can he/she transfer from the bed to a chair without assistance?
5. Does the care-receiver walk unassisted or with a cane or walker or wheelchair?
6. Does the care-receiver need help toileting---unassisted, bedpan, urinal, catheter, colostomy, bedside commode, or incontinence pads?
7. Does the care-receiver need help with bathing? This may include a bedbath, help in the shower or tub. How often does the care-receiver bathe? Does he/she need a transfer bench or shower bench?
8. What are the care-receiver's sleep habits? When is bed time and wake time? Does he/she take naps? Does he/she prefer the room to be dark or a certain temperature?
9. Does the care-receiver need help with meals and snacks? Does he/she need assistance with feeding? Does he/she have difficulty with swallowing? Is there tube feeding? Are there certain foods and drinks to be avoided?
10. Are there any special house rules? Are visitors okay? Are there any pet rules? Where is the gas/water shut-off valve? Where are the fire extinguishers?
It is a good idea to have these instructions written out and ready for the respite caregiver. Do not wait for an emergency to start answering the questions. Keep this information with the care-receiver's other important documents.
Rebecca Colmer is the creator of the Family Caregiver Organizer which includes a Respite Caregiver Checklist. She is also the founder of Me and My Caregivers, a communications hub with information and resources for everyone on the caregiving team.
Respite services cover a wide range. They may include volunteer services, adult day care for the care-receiver, or even a care-receiver's brief stay in a nursing home or assisted living facility. They also could include a private duty nurse or adult foster care. Respite caregiving may be provided by a different family member or a friend who can stay with the care-receiver to give you a short break.
It is a good idea to schedule regular respite care so the primary caregiver always has a scheduled, much needed break. Without respite care, the caregiver stands a good chance of developing stress overload or burnout. It is important that the caregiver and care-receiver have some time away from each other. Assistance from a respite caregiver is invaluable to the primary caregiver. The primary caregiver needs to have time for him/herself.
You can help make the respite caregiver's job easier if you supply him/her with specific information about the care-receiver. Here are ten topics to discuss in advance.
1. Does the care-receiver understand instructions?
2. Emergency Preparedness. Discuss 911 preferences. Review emergency procedures. Review your exit and escape plan. Where are the Advance Directives located?
3. Does the care-receiver use any medical equipment or have any special needs such as, catheter care, hearing aid, shaving, peri-care, mouth/oral care, foley bag, dressings changed, dentures, etc. If yes, when, and does he/she need assistance?
4. Can the care-receiver move around unassisted? Is he/she bedbound, need help repositioning? Can he/she transfer from the bed to a chair without assistance?
5. Does the care-receiver walk unassisted or with a cane or walker or wheelchair?
6. Does the care-receiver need help toileting---unassisted, bedpan, urinal, catheter, colostomy, bedside commode, or incontinence pads?
7. Does the care-receiver need help with bathing? This may include a bedbath, help in the shower or tub. How often does the care-receiver bathe? Does he/she need a transfer bench or shower bench?
8. What are the care-receiver's sleep habits? When is bed time and wake time? Does he/she take naps? Does he/she prefer the room to be dark or a certain temperature?
9. Does the care-receiver need help with meals and snacks? Does he/she need assistance with feeding? Does he/she have difficulty with swallowing? Is there tube feeding? Are there certain foods and drinks to be avoided?
10. Are there any special house rules? Are visitors okay? Are there any pet rules? Where is the gas/water shut-off valve? Where are the fire extinguishers?
It is a good idea to have these instructions written out and ready for the respite caregiver. Do not wait for an emergency to start answering the questions. Keep this information with the care-receiver's other important documents.
Rebecca Colmer is the creator of the Family Caregiver Organizer which includes a Respite Caregiver Checklist. She is also the founder of Me and My Caregivers, a communications hub with information and resources for everyone on the caregiving team.
Family Caregiver Tips: Care giving for a Loved One with Alzheimer's Disease
Alzheimer's disease not only affects the person with the disease, but also the rest of the family. Family members are confronted with making important life decisions, not only for the medical care of their loved one but planning and preparing for their needs as the disease progresses.
Here are some family care tips for family members and caregivers:
1. Discuss early on a patient's wishes. Have an early and frank discussion with his/her primary physician, attorney, accountant, and financial advisors.
2. Early on make sure your loved one undergoes thorough and comprehensive evaluation, medically, neurologically, and psychiatrically.
3. Keep Alzheimer's patients in a familiar and safe environment.
4. Keep Alzheimer's patients in an independent setting as long as possible.
5. Alzheimer's patients often develop secondary medical problems and complications. These may include bedsores and aspiration pneumonia. Talk with the doctor about what to expect.
6. Alzheimer's patients should not be driving.
7. Make bathing and other personal care as easy and simple as possible. Follow a routine.
8. Choose clothing that easy to get on and off.
9. Keep windows and doors locked. Use a medical alert device.
10. Support independence and autonomy whenever possible.
11. Watch for signs of caregiving stress.
12. Grieving for loved ones begins far before their death.
13. Do not take the emotion and behavior personally.
14. Make direct eye contact before speaking.
15. Eliminate distracting noises.
16. Maintain a calm and pleasant facial expression and tone of voice.
17. Avoid situations and places that are loud or crowded.
18. Use short, simple sentences with concrete, familiar words.
19. Pause between sentences to give the patient time to respond.
20. Consult a doctor if the Alzheimer's patient's anxiety is unrelenting.
21. Always be respectful.
Alzheimer's disease is a devastating illness. Extra consideration should be given to the primary caregiver as he/she is at a high risk of emotional and physical exhaustion. He/she is also at risk for suffering from depression. Thoughtful planning and respite care are essential elements of successful caregiving.
This article was written by Rebecca Sharp Colmer, a Certified Senior Advisor and the creator of MeAndMyCaregivers, a company who offers management and peace of mind over your loved one’s medical, financial and social well being.
Here are some family care tips for family members and caregivers:
1. Discuss early on a patient's wishes. Have an early and frank discussion with his/her primary physician, attorney, accountant, and financial advisors.
2. Early on make sure your loved one undergoes thorough and comprehensive evaluation, medically, neurologically, and psychiatrically.
3. Keep Alzheimer's patients in a familiar and safe environment.
4. Keep Alzheimer's patients in an independent setting as long as possible.
5. Alzheimer's patients often develop secondary medical problems and complications. These may include bedsores and aspiration pneumonia. Talk with the doctor about what to expect.
6. Alzheimer's patients should not be driving.
7. Make bathing and other personal care as easy and simple as possible. Follow a routine.
8. Choose clothing that easy to get on and off.
9. Keep windows and doors locked. Use a medical alert device.
10. Support independence and autonomy whenever possible.
11. Watch for signs of caregiving stress.
12. Grieving for loved ones begins far before their death.
13. Do not take the emotion and behavior personally.
14. Make direct eye contact before speaking.
15. Eliminate distracting noises.
16. Maintain a calm and pleasant facial expression and tone of voice.
17. Avoid situations and places that are loud or crowded.
18. Use short, simple sentences with concrete, familiar words.
19. Pause between sentences to give the patient time to respond.
20. Consult a doctor if the Alzheimer's patient's anxiety is unrelenting.
21. Always be respectful.
Alzheimer's disease is a devastating illness. Extra consideration should be given to the primary caregiver as he/she is at a high risk of emotional and physical exhaustion. He/she is also at risk for suffering from depression. Thoughtful planning and respite care are essential elements of successful caregiving.
This article was written by Rebecca Sharp Colmer, a Certified Senior Advisor and the creator of MeAndMyCaregivers, a company who offers management and peace of mind over your loved one’s medical, financial and social well being.
10 Things Every Caregiver and Care-receiver Should Ask about Guardianship
If you are a family caregiver or a care-receiver, it is important that you understand your legal rights. Use this article to help start a discussion with your attorney or with the appropriate representative.
1. What is guardianship? Guardianship is a legal process used to insure that a person who is unable to make decisions on their own has someone specifically assigned to make decisions on their behalf. Usually, as a last resort, a judge decides if the care-receiver is no longer capable of managing his or her life. A person for whom a guardian is appointed is known as a ward.
2. What are the responsibilities of a guardian? The responsibilities of a guardian may include providing for the care and comfort of the ward. In addition, the guardian must take care of the ward's clothing, furniture and automobiles. A guardian must secure services to help the ward return to self-care as soon as possible.
3. Who can petition the court for appointment of a guardian? A care-receiver on his/her behalf, a family member, or any person interested in the welfare of the prospective ward, can petition the court.
4. What if the care-receiver disapproves of the petition? The care-receiver should consult an attorney immediately. The court can only appoint a guardian after clear evidence is presented at a hearing that the care-receiver is not capable of making informed decisions about his/her own care.
5. What rights does the care-receiver have when facing a potential guardianship? The care-receiver has the right to object to the guardianship, to the powers of the guardian, and to appointment of a particular person as guardian. The care-receiver has the right to be present at the hearing, and represented by an attorney. The care-receiver has the right t o present evidence on his/her own behalf. The care-receiver has the right to cross examine all witnesses and to have a jury trial.
6. Do all guardians have the same powers? No. The court will tailor the powers of the guardian to the demonstrated need of the ward. In some cases the court will allow the ward to control part of his/her property to encourage self-reliance.
7. Can a guardian be replaced? Yes. You or any person interested in the ward's welfare, can petition the court to remove a guardian and appoint another.
8. How long does a guardianship last? Many times it lasts until death. But the court must review the guardianship one year after it begins and then every three years.
9. What if the ward feels he/she no longer needs a guardian? The ward should send a letter to the judge of probate court requesting the guardianship be ended. Or a petition can be filed by the ward or by anyone interested in his/her welfare. In either case, a hearing will be held.
10. How is a conservatorship different from a guardianship? Unlike a guardianship, a conservator cannot make healthcare decisions. A conservator is a person or corporation appointed by probate court to manage another person's property and financial affairs. This differs from a guardian, who is appointed by probate court and makes decisions about the care of another person.
Take the time to talk with an attorney and communicate your intentions. Whether you are the care-receiver or the caregiver, legal planning is important.
This article was written by Rebecca Sharp Colmer, a Certiified Senior Advisor and the creator of MeAndMyCaregiver(s), a service designed to help both the care-receiver and the caregiver. It is a lot more than just a personal health record stored online. It is a personal life record and life management system.
1. What is guardianship? Guardianship is a legal process used to insure that a person who is unable to make decisions on their own has someone specifically assigned to make decisions on their behalf. Usually, as a last resort, a judge decides if the care-receiver is no longer capable of managing his or her life. A person for whom a guardian is appointed is known as a ward.
2. What are the responsibilities of a guardian? The responsibilities of a guardian may include providing for the care and comfort of the ward. In addition, the guardian must take care of the ward's clothing, furniture and automobiles. A guardian must secure services to help the ward return to self-care as soon as possible.
3. Who can petition the court for appointment of a guardian? A care-receiver on his/her behalf, a family member, or any person interested in the welfare of the prospective ward, can petition the court.
4. What if the care-receiver disapproves of the petition? The care-receiver should consult an attorney immediately. The court can only appoint a guardian after clear evidence is presented at a hearing that the care-receiver is not capable of making informed decisions about his/her own care.
5. What rights does the care-receiver have when facing a potential guardianship? The care-receiver has the right to object to the guardianship, to the powers of the guardian, and to appointment of a particular person as guardian. The care-receiver has the right to be present at the hearing, and represented by an attorney. The care-receiver has the right t o present evidence on his/her own behalf. The care-receiver has the right to cross examine all witnesses and to have a jury trial.
6. Do all guardians have the same powers? No. The court will tailor the powers of the guardian to the demonstrated need of the ward. In some cases the court will allow the ward to control part of his/her property to encourage self-reliance.
7. Can a guardian be replaced? Yes. You or any person interested in the ward's welfare, can petition the court to remove a guardian and appoint another.
8. How long does a guardianship last? Many times it lasts until death. But the court must review the guardianship one year after it begins and then every three years.
9. What if the ward feels he/she no longer needs a guardian? The ward should send a letter to the judge of probate court requesting the guardianship be ended. Or a petition can be filed by the ward or by anyone interested in his/her welfare. In either case, a hearing will be held.
10. How is a conservatorship different from a guardianship? Unlike a guardianship, a conservator cannot make healthcare decisions. A conservator is a person or corporation appointed by probate court to manage another person's property and financial affairs. This differs from a guardian, who is appointed by probate court and makes decisions about the care of another person.
Take the time to talk with an attorney and communicate your intentions. Whether you are the care-receiver or the caregiver, legal planning is important.
This article was written by Rebecca Sharp Colmer, a Certiified Senior Advisor and the creator of MeAndMyCaregiver(s), a service designed to help both the care-receiver and the caregiver. It is a lot more than just a personal health record stored online. It is a personal life record and life management system.
Caregiver Information: 10 Things You Should Know About Hospice Care
The dictionary defines hospice as a shelter or lodging for travelers, children, or the destitute, often maintained by a monastic order. Today, hospice is a multidisciplinary service that provides rest for weary patients and their families.
Hospice provides support and care for persons in the last phases of incurable diseases so that they may live as fully and comfortably as possible. Hospice recognizes dying as part of the normal process of living and focuses on maintaining the quality of remaining life.
Here are ten things you should know about hospice care:
1. Hospice is a special approach to caring for terminally ill patients that stresses palliative care (relief of pain and uncomfortable symptoms) as opposed to curative care.
2. Most hospice care focuses on keeping the patient at home, yet there are hospices located in hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and home health agencies.
3. Admission to hospice is predicated on the poor prognosis of the patient.
This is generally stated as "6 months or less if the disease runs its expected course."
4. There are different "auspices" of programs providing hospice care. Some of these include: an inpatient hospice unit at a hospital or nursing home, a community-based hospice, a free-standing, inpatient hospice, a home care organization that provides hospice care with specially trained home care hospice nurses and volunteers, corporations that provide hospice care, continuing care retirement community hospice programs, and other models like HMOs.
5. The hospice and palliative care team may include: patients and families, clinician, social workers, physicians, dieticians, bereavement counselors, spiritual counselors, volunteers, physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, home health aides, pharmacists, and others.
6. Pain and symptom management are a specialty area in hospice. Most patients receive a complement of pain solutions.
7. In addition to pain management, some of the hallmarks of hospice care include: knowledge of concepts related to death and dying, stress management skills, sensitive communication skills, a sense of humor, flexibility, and hospice and palliative care knowledge.
8. Many insurers now cover or reimburse hospice programs for hospice services.
9. Hospice team members and their clinical practice are described every day to surveyors, peers, and managers through the review of clinical records. The clinical record is a legal document.
10. Bereavement counseling is a part of the hospice organization's planned intervention program for survivors and is a key indicator of the quality of hospice services.
Today hospice has a major role in the healthcare movement and caregiver help. The terminally ill have options and the quality of their lives can still be within their control.
This article was written by Rebecca Sharp Colmer, a Certified Senior Advisor and the creator of MeAndMyCaregivers, a company who offers management and peace of mind over your loved one’s medical, financial and social well being.
Hospice provides support and care for persons in the last phases of incurable diseases so that they may live as fully and comfortably as possible. Hospice recognizes dying as part of the normal process of living and focuses on maintaining the quality of remaining life.
Here are ten things you should know about hospice care:
1. Hospice is a special approach to caring for terminally ill patients that stresses palliative care (relief of pain and uncomfortable symptoms) as opposed to curative care.
2. Most hospice care focuses on keeping the patient at home, yet there are hospices located in hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and home health agencies.
3. Admission to hospice is predicated on the poor prognosis of the patient.
This is generally stated as "6 months or less if the disease runs its expected course."
4. There are different "auspices" of programs providing hospice care. Some of these include: an inpatient hospice unit at a hospital or nursing home, a community-based hospice, a free-standing, inpatient hospice, a home care organization that provides hospice care with specially trained home care hospice nurses and volunteers, corporations that provide hospice care, continuing care retirement community hospice programs, and other models like HMOs.
5. The hospice and palliative care team may include: patients and families, clinician, social workers, physicians, dieticians, bereavement counselors, spiritual counselors, volunteers, physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, home health aides, pharmacists, and others.
6. Pain and symptom management are a specialty area in hospice. Most patients receive a complement of pain solutions.
7. In addition to pain management, some of the hallmarks of hospice care include: knowledge of concepts related to death and dying, stress management skills, sensitive communication skills, a sense of humor, flexibility, and hospice and palliative care knowledge.
8. Many insurers now cover or reimburse hospice programs for hospice services.
9. Hospice team members and their clinical practice are described every day to surveyors, peers, and managers through the review of clinical records. The clinical record is a legal document.
10. Bereavement counseling is a part of the hospice organization's planned intervention program for survivors and is a key indicator of the quality of hospice services.
Today hospice has a major role in the healthcare movement and caregiver help. The terminally ill have options and the quality of their lives can still be within their control.
This article was written by Rebecca Sharp Colmer, a Certified Senior Advisor and the creator of MeAndMyCaregivers, a company who offers management and peace of mind over your loved one’s medical, financial and social well being.
Caregiver Resources: 10 Resources for Caregiving Help
The information in this article will help you find caregiving help for your loved one. It’s not easy being a caregiver. Often in the beginning stage it is natural to think that you can do it all by yourself. However, the sooner you get extra help, the better. Keep in mind it may take some time to find the right combination of services and support for your loved one.
1. Family. The best starting place is with immediate family members. Use family helpers as much as possible. If they do not volunteer to help do not hesitate to ask them how they would like to contribute to the care of their loved one. One family member may be better suited for running errands while another is good at paying bills. Not everyone is willing or able to contribute the same level of care.
2. Friends. If friends, neighbors, distant relatives ask if there is anything they can do to help, say yes. Assign them a specific task. For example, it might be helpful if they brought over dinner once a week, or maybe they could mow the lawn, or drive your loved one to see the doctor. Ask them to be a respite caregiver for a couple of hours so that you get a break.
3. Area Agency on Aging. This should be one of the first resources you should contact. Almost every state has one or more AAAs, which serve local communities. You can find your local agency listed in the phone book or on the Internet.
4. Local senior center. Most senior centers offer some services or can connect you with local community services. Also, senior centers are a good place to network with other caregivers.
5. Churches and synagogues. Even if you are not affiliated with a church or synagogue, many offer caregiving help to people of all faiths. Even if they do not offer caregiving help they may be able to point you in the right direction.
6. Local organizations. Contact your local United Way, Jewish Family Services, Lions Club.
7. National organizations. For almost every ailment or illness there is an organization that can provide referrals or services. You can find listings on the Internet, yellow pages, and at your local public library.
8. Government agencies. Contact your local health department, and departments of housing and social service. Look in the yellow pages.
9. Adult Day Care. Adult day care agencies offer programs with varying services. To find adult day care services, check your local phone book.
10. Home Health Care Agencies. Most home health care agencies offer both skilled and custodial care. Home health care can be expensive. Medicare may pay for some skilled care.
It is a good idea to keep a notebook of all the people you contact. The more organized you are, the easier your job will be.
This article was written by Rebecca Sharp Colmer, creator of MeAndMyCaregivers, a communications hub for everyone on the caregiving team. She is also the creator of the Family Caregiver Starter Kit, which contains useful resources, forms and information for caregivers.
1. Family. The best starting place is with immediate family members. Use family helpers as much as possible. If they do not volunteer to help do not hesitate to ask them how they would like to contribute to the care of their loved one. One family member may be better suited for running errands while another is good at paying bills. Not everyone is willing or able to contribute the same level of care.
2. Friends. If friends, neighbors, distant relatives ask if there is anything they can do to help, say yes. Assign them a specific task. For example, it might be helpful if they brought over dinner once a week, or maybe they could mow the lawn, or drive your loved one to see the doctor. Ask them to be a respite caregiver for a couple of hours so that you get a break.
3. Area Agency on Aging. This should be one of the first resources you should contact. Almost every state has one or more AAAs, which serve local communities. You can find your local agency listed in the phone book or on the Internet.
4. Local senior center. Most senior centers offer some services or can connect you with local community services. Also, senior centers are a good place to network with other caregivers.
5. Churches and synagogues. Even if you are not affiliated with a church or synagogue, many offer caregiving help to people of all faiths. Even if they do not offer caregiving help they may be able to point you in the right direction.
6. Local organizations. Contact your local United Way, Jewish Family Services, Lions Club.
7. National organizations. For almost every ailment or illness there is an organization that can provide referrals or services. You can find listings on the Internet, yellow pages, and at your local public library.
8. Government agencies. Contact your local health department, and departments of housing and social service. Look in the yellow pages.
9. Adult Day Care. Adult day care agencies offer programs with varying services. To find adult day care services, check your local phone book.
10. Home Health Care Agencies. Most home health care agencies offer both skilled and custodial care. Home health care can be expensive. Medicare may pay for some skilled care.
It is a good idea to keep a notebook of all the people you contact. The more organized you are, the easier your job will be.
This article was written by Rebecca Sharp Colmer, creator of MeAndMyCaregivers, a communications hub for everyone on the caregiving team. She is also the creator of the Family Caregiver Starter Kit, which contains useful resources, forms and information for caregivers.
Caregiver Help: 10 Tips for Taking Care of a Caregiver
Caring for someone who is chronically ill, or who requires constant attention, is an extremely demanding job. Caregivers owe it to themselves to recognize and care for their own needs, in addition to those of the patient. In a perfect world, the care-receiver would recognize this and try to minimize the negative effects of their caregiver. As we all know, this is not a perfect world.
Keep in mind that what may be extremely stressful for you, may be a minor irritation for someone else, and maybe not all stressful to a third person. It is mainly your perception, interpretation, and response to an event that determines your stress level. However, certain events (such as long-term caregiving) tend to be viewed as highly stressful by most people, most of the time.
Caregiver Burn-out and Stress can make you sick---physically, emotionally, or both at the same time. Sometimes, good caregiving can be overwhelming if steps are not taken to stay in good shape.
Here are some tips for taking care of a caregiver:
1. Make sure their care-receiver (patient) gets an early medical diagnosis. This will help the caregiver set up a better care plan.
2. Caregivers need complete information about their care-receiver's disease. They need answers to their questions and a chance to learn what to expect as the disease progresses.
3. Caregivers need help in locating resources. They also need to know how and when to use them.
4. Caregivers need a chance to grieve with the one who is ill. In addition, they need to be able to enjoy the good times, too.
5. Caregivers will benefit from a good support system. Counseling can help the caregiver identify signs of stress.
6. Caregivers can use actual physical assistance. If everyone pitches in and lends a hand, it makes a big difference.
7. Schedule regular respite time for the caregiver.
8. Schedule regular health screenings for the care-receiver and caregiver. Caregivers have a tendency to ignore their own health needs.
9. Caregivers need compassion and love and plenty of kind words.
10. Caregivers may need help in moving onward after their loved-one dies.
Being a caregiver may change your life. There is often an adjustment phase. You may find it necessary to redefine your sense of purpose. You may find it impossible to return to your earlier life. Take some time to reflect on the experience and never stop caring.
This article was written by Rebecca Sharp Colmer, creator of MeAndMyCaregivers, a communications hub for everyone on the caregiving team. She is also the creator of the Family Caregiver Starter Kit, which contains useful resources, forms and information for caregivers.
Keep in mind that what may be extremely stressful for you, may be a minor irritation for someone else, and maybe not all stressful to a third person. It is mainly your perception, interpretation, and response to an event that determines your stress level. However, certain events (such as long-term caregiving) tend to be viewed as highly stressful by most people, most of the time.
Caregiver Burn-out and Stress can make you sick---physically, emotionally, or both at the same time. Sometimes, good caregiving can be overwhelming if steps are not taken to stay in good shape.
Here are some tips for taking care of a caregiver:
1. Make sure their care-receiver (patient) gets an early medical diagnosis. This will help the caregiver set up a better care plan.
2. Caregivers need complete information about their care-receiver's disease. They need answers to their questions and a chance to learn what to expect as the disease progresses.
3. Caregivers need help in locating resources. They also need to know how and when to use them.
4. Caregivers need a chance to grieve with the one who is ill. In addition, they need to be able to enjoy the good times, too.
5. Caregivers will benefit from a good support system. Counseling can help the caregiver identify signs of stress.
6. Caregivers can use actual physical assistance. If everyone pitches in and lends a hand, it makes a big difference.
7. Schedule regular respite time for the caregiver.
8. Schedule regular health screenings for the care-receiver and caregiver. Caregivers have a tendency to ignore their own health needs.
9. Caregivers need compassion and love and plenty of kind words.
10. Caregivers may need help in moving onward after their loved-one dies.
Being a caregiver may change your life. There is often an adjustment phase. You may find it necessary to redefine your sense of purpose. You may find it impossible to return to your earlier life. Take some time to reflect on the experience and never stop caring.
This article was written by Rebecca Sharp Colmer, creator of MeAndMyCaregivers, a communications hub for everyone on the caregiving team. She is also the creator of the Family Caregiver Starter Kit, which contains useful resources, forms and information for caregivers.
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