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Caregiving Information
§ Caregiving in the workforce. §
Eleven Reasons Why I Joined a Support Group §
The Common Bonds of Caregiving §
Caregiver Tips
§ Support Groups§
Resources
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General Information
Barber, Barton, Clark,
Comanche, Edwards, Finney, Ford, Grant, Gray, Greeley, Hamilton, Haskell,
Hodgeman, Kearny, Kiowa, Lane, Meade, Morton, Ness, Pawnee, Pratt, Rush,
Scott, Seward, Stafford, Stanton, Stevens, Wichita |
Boot Camp
What does
a Caregiver Need to Know? By Christine Nicholson,
RN, MSA It starts
with changes. At first, it is
just little things. Like having
to mow the lawn, going to the grocery, needing transportation for a trip to
the doctor- a funny feeling when you’re on the phone that maybe
something isn’t right. Maybe,
subtle differences – your wife doesn’t seem to have the energy to
do things the way she used to – the kitchen’s not clean, and the
laundry’s not done. Then
worry – variations in behavior or medical circumstances – your
husband just isn’t the same or your wife isn’t taking care of
herself the way she always did. But no
one seems concerned yet – except you!! Then it
happens – the stroke was so sudden, no warning, what will happen? What does the doctor mean? Now
you’re a caregiver – welcome to family caregiving. Caregivers
need to know When we
step in to provide help to family or friend, we don’t think of it as
“caregiving.”
We’re just helping out, doing what people do for each other. But when individuals no longer are
sure how to help each other or the helping becomes frustrating, confusing or
too time or physically consuming- then our role changes, and we become a
caregiver. Recent
studies indicate that one in every four families is providing care to an
elder or other loved one. This
care may be in the form of financial help, homemaking or household repairs,
providing transportation or actual, hands-on-personal care. When we
become involved in caregiving, depending on the caregiving situation and
involvement, the flavor of relationships, the nature of the activities and
everyday routines begin to change. Perhaps that involvement is providing
direct care such as housekeeping or assistance with bathing. Perhaps
it is providing long distance emotional support - frequent phone call, cards
and visits. Or, perhaps others are in control and ignore your concerns, and
you can only stand aside and worry. Beware that caregiving for another is a
part of life today. Further, there are resources to aid the special needs
that caregivers have and support the decisions caregivers have to make. The
family caregiver is responsible for and impacted by the practical, physical,
emotional, financial, social, and medical needs and limitations of a
chronically ill, disabled elderly or frail family member or other loved one. When
you’re a Caregiver Caregiving
takes on many faces. Each situation is unique. One may be caring for a
parent, spouse or an adult child with disabilities. A caregiver may be an
only child or perhaps have physical or mental limitations of his or her own
– yet have full responsibility for the care of another. The care
receiver may be close by or live thousands of miles away. Many of
us will first enter caregiving in a time of crisis. For others, there is
ample warning of the coming need for help – perhaps due to a chronic
condition or severe injury. As the caregiving role is assumed, the caregiver
will be asked to respond to many new activities and circumstances. In order
to meet the challenge on a continuing basis: §
Caregivers need to know what the problems are and what can be expected §
Caregivers need to know what can realistically be done about them §
Caregivers need to know how to find the best information and services §
Caregivers need to know how to find advice that can be trusted We face
change in our own way. Sometimes elders will cling to old ideas and issues of
independence in what seems to be foolish or unsafe ways. Anger and denial are often present
when things change and affect feelings and actions in unexpected ways. Individuals
diagnosed with a chronic illness find their own way to manage. Many times it is done by collecting
information and strength from those around them and from past experiences.
Sometimes, the response is heroic – sometimes, the choice is an
unhealthy one. Most often, people and families work hard to make the best of
an illness or disability by making accommodations and providing
encouragement. Essentially living life to the fullest as much as possible is
surely the goal. Caregiver and care receivers have a special relationship to
one and the other. Remember, that each in their own way is a giver and a
receiver of attention, kindness and love. Caregivers
need to develop a comprehensive care recipient support network to aid in
keeping life as planned, organized and efficient as possible. In order to
know what one is faced with, information must be gathered from many sources.
Physicians, nurses, social workers and other therapists may be available to
give assistance. Federal agencies and national disease organizations are
excellent sources of practical advice and may provide support groups or other
networking opportunities. One’s personal caregiving network should
include not only the loved one’s health care providers, but the vendors
of goods and services that are needed to maintain his or her daily routine.
It is just as important for the caregiver to add to the support network the
people or groups that he or she can turn to for caregiver help and
support. If one is
a long distance caregiver, knowing the names and telephone numbers of a loved
one’s neighbors, friends and faith community is also important.
Communication, however, is a two way street. Caregivers need to be easily
reached by the numbers of people who are involved in the support and care of
a loved one. Planning
is important and caregivers can begin by locating community services,
organizations and local agencies that may be needed in the future. Caregivers
also need to become familiar with insurance plans, legal and financial
documents, assistive devices and other products designed to help frail elders
or those with disabilities to function at their highest level. Since
chronic illness or disabling conditions are by their nature long lasting,
caregiving situations are ever changing. A treatment therapy or service that
was right for yesterday is not necessarily going to be right for today. Even
within stable periods, various options should be investigated that might
improve upon the current situation. These
options may include home care companion service, senior center and
alternative therapies such as chiropractic, acupuncture or massage therapy.
Repairs or modifications may increase the safety of the home environment,
enabling an individual to remain in his or her home rather than have to seek
an institutional type living facility. It is
often difficult to think of new ways to do things, particularly when one is
under stress. We all have a tendency to keep things the way they are during
those times. However finding other ways of “caring” may be of
benefit to both caregiver and care receive. Many alternatives can potentially
increase the quality of life for a loved one by providing interesting
activities and increasing physical or mental well-being, thereby increasing
the independence and quality of life for all involved. An
essential skill to be developed is learning to take care of the
caregiver. Too many caregivers
expect that they can “do it all” - an attitude that may lead to
burnout and unnecessary health-related problems. It is important to spend
some time each day in both physical and spiritual/emotional activities to
reduce stress, think clearly and maintain a generous spirit. It is
important to learn as much as possible about a loved one’s condition
and medical/social plans for treatment: §
What can be expected in the future? §
What are warning signs of problems? §
What are the best ways to provide assistance and encouragement? §
Have there been changes to the financial capability of the family? §
What will happen to other relationships? §
Is there the time, energy or skills to provide the assistance needed? §
Will there be changes to work schedules or to other commitments? Developing
a realistic approach takes time, knowledge, commitment and good communication
between all parties. Knowing what to expect allows us to think about how to
cope- to be prepared. This approach helps to manage expectations. It helps
avoid providing too much or to little assistance in the present and helps
both caregiver and receiver to plan for future needs and activities. For
caregivers and their families, as well as the care receiver, this is a long
term process- sometimes painful, sometimes exhausting, but often a most
rewarding time of family life. Talking
to each other about one’s wishes for future care and what plans have
already been implemented should be a high priority for each family before a
crisis occurs. Caregiving has become another phase of life, like getting
married or having children – it’s essential to be prepared. |
SouthWest
Kansas Area Agency on Aging, Inc.
620-225-8230 • Older Kansan's Hotline 800-742-9531 • Fax: 620-225-8240 • SWKAAA@hotmail.com
Lostski Design Tuesday, June 12, 2007