Caregiver’s Corner

A caregiver is anyone who provides assistance to another person so that person can maintain an independent lifestyle. Family members and other informal caregivers are the backbone of most long-term care systems.

For many people, caregiving isn’t a job or a duty. It is doing what is right for a loved one. Caregiving is an unspoken promise that so many of us make in our relationships, to be there for our loved ones when they need us. Unfortunately, few people have the time, resources or ability to care for their aging or disabled loved one without any help.

It is important as a caregiver to know your limits, take care of yourself, know your resources in the community, and understand the wants and needs of the person needing care.

 

Successful caregiving

Being a successful caregiver means finding a balance between providing the necessary care and encouraging the care receiver to be as independent as possible.

Discussing the following questions with the person under your care may help you find the balance.

• How does she/he see herself in the role of the care receiver?

• What does she/he need from you?

• What can she/he do for herself?

• Does she/he know what to expect from you?

• Can you meet those expectations?

• What support is available in your family and community?

The caregiver is one of the most important people in the life of the care receiver. A caregiver doesn’t have to be family or a loved one. There are numerous types of caregivers. Sometimes the best care plan includes a combination of caregiving types and caregivers.

Taking care of you

Caregiving for another person can be satisfying, but it can also be an exhausting and thankless job. You may sacrifice your leisure time, your vacations and your privacy. Multiple demands from your family, your job and the person for whom you care, leave little time for yourself.

Too often caregivers neglect their own health and well being, and put their own needs on the back burner. You may not be able to stop the impact of a disease or disability on the care receiver, but you must be responsible for your own self-care.

 

Please answer “yes” or “no” to the following questions to determine if you are at risk for caregiver’s burnout:

• Do you ever find yourself trying to do it all and be responsible for all aspects of the caregiving?

• Do you experience sleep disturbances, including inability to fall asleep or stay asleep?

• Do you frequently experience aches and pains, including muscle aches, neck aches or headaches?

• Do you say to yourself “I should be able to…,” “I can never…” or other similar statements?

• Do you get frustrated about something in particular you are unable to change?

• Do you experience chronic health problems and experience low energy or exhaustion?

• Do you resist asking for and receiving assistance from others?

• Do you feel that your family has no idea what you must go through and they simply do not understand?

• Do you experience emotional outbreaks, including anxiety, depression, anger, guilt or loneliness?

If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, you are more than likely experiencing caregiver stress, which can put you at risk for caregiver burnout.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

 

You can manage caregiver stress so that it does not make you ill or interfere with your caregiving and the rest of your life.

 

Many caregiving situations fail or caregivers become ill because they have failed to sustain the activities, interests and friendships that they love.

 

It is critical that you have a few hours a week away from caregiving.

 

Remember, you cannot provide quality care unless you care for yourself!