For most people, the holidays are the season for extra giving, caring and sharing with others. But for those who are family caregivers, this is a description of everyday life.
Whether someone became a caregiver suddenly (grandma had a stroke) or gradually (aging parents), caregiving can be one of the most important – and challenging – aspects of a person’s life.or most people, the holidays are the season for extra giving, caring and sharing with others. But for those who are family caregivers, this is a description of everyday life.
In the United States, 78 percent of adults living in communities and in need of long-term care depend on family and friends as their only source of help. This amounts to about 65 million family caregivers, totaling nearly one-third of the U.S. adult population, or four out of every 10 adults. Of these caregivers, most provide an average of 20 hours of care a week, although some provide care around the clock.
One of the most common problems family caregivers face is trying to juggle career responsibilities with their caregiving responsibilities. In fact, 60 percent of family caregivers are employed – and about two-thirds have had to make some adjustments in their work lives because of their caregiving role. Add this to the fact that many caregivers also have their own families and children to care for, and it can become quite a stressful situation.
The good news is that we know that when family caregivers reach out for assistance, they are better able to balance personal and work obligations. Some ways to do this include:
Support groups. Caregiver support groups allow those who are in the same situation to share experiences and advice. There are also condition-specific support groups that focus on a particular topic or disease (such as stroke or brain injury) and often can provide the most up-do-date information available. In addition, there may also be online forums available to provide support.
Organization of medical information. Keeping a loved one’s information organized and together in a file (whether electronic or paper) allows a caregiver to easily update and share information when needed. Items that could be included in this type of file are medical history, medications, insurance information and legal documents.
Ensuring a good healthcare visit. Being prepared for a physician or other healthcare visit (like therapy), is beneficial to the caregiver, the loved one and the healthcare provider. Some ways to prepare include writing down any questions the caregiver or loved one may have, keeping a list of current symptoms or difficulties the loved one may be experiencing, and updating medication lists. During the visit, share the information and write down any answers, physician instructions or therapist recommendations. Having open, effective lines of communication with physicians and other healthcare professionals can be invaluable.
Letting other people help. Caregivers should keep a list of specific things that others can help with, and ask for help whenever it is needed.
Exercising and eating right. If caregivers are vigilant about their own health, then they will be better able to physically and emotionally care for their loved ones.
Taking a break! Really, it’s not only allowed – it’s necessary. Caregivers need to take respites to recharge emotionally, intellectually and physically. Other family members, friends or professionals can take over the caregiving role while this much-needed break is sought.
Caring for a loved one can be a fulfilling but daunting task. However, with planning, organization and information, both the caregiver and the loved one can receive the care and support they need. QCBN
By Daryl Williams
Daryl Williams is director of marketing and business development at Mountain Valley Regional Rehabilitation Hospital.
Mountain Valley Regional Rehabilitation Hospital is a 44-bed, free-standing rehabilitation hospital that provides intensive physical rehabilitation services to patients recovering from strokes, brain, spinal cord, and orthopedic injuries, and other impairments as a result of injury or illness. For more information, visit MVRRH.ernesthealth.com. 3700 N. Windsong • Prescott Valley, AZ 86314 • (P) 928-759-8800• (F) 928-775-7781 • MVRRH.ernesthealth.com
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