Tips to Support Family Caregivers
Caregivers are an essential part of our healthcare system. Many people, though, don’t see themselves as a “caregiver,” and as a result, don’t realize the critical role that they play. Here are five tips from the National Patient Advocate Foundation to help caregivers recognize their role, learn about the resources that can support their specific needs, and feel more prepared for the challenges of caregiving.
- Recognize that you are a caregiver.
Many people step up to help a loved one who is sick because they believe that is what is expected of them as a family member or friend. However, being a caregiver and assuming that role is so much more than kinship or spending time together; it involves taking on many unplanned or extra action to help someone who is sick maintain their quality of life and well-being.
As a caregiver, you may help with activities of daily living (dressing, bathing, toileting), prepare meals, organize or administer medication, and accompany and/or drive your loved one to appointments. You may provide this help in person or handle the arrangements from afar.
- Anticipate the total costs that come with caregiving.
Healthcare and the associated expenses for caring for a loved one can be costly for everyone involved. These costs may pop up to cover co-pays for prescription medication, durable medical equipment to keep your loved one safe in the home, hospital parking fees, and transportation costs. There may even be unexpected costs associated with helping to get your love one’s insurance claims and finances in order. Furthermore, caregiving duties may interfere with your ability to keep a regular job schedule and may result in reduced income. - Plan for your own needs and support.
Being a caregiver can take a toll on your own health and well-being. The reality of caregiving is that many people feel overwhelmed about the number and types of tasks they need to handle and need guidance to learn the steps. Because caregivers are overwhelmed, many often put off their own preventive care and struggle to find the time to take care of themselves. Finding people to help you assist your loved one, getting training, and using available caregiving resources can help you stay strong and healthy so you can do a better job and feel more confident in your caregiving role. - Identify people who can support you.
Caregiving can be both a rewarding and isolating experience. To continue doing your best, it’s important to think about and surrounding yourself with things that bring you comfort and joy. Much like you are there for your loved one, you should identify key people to call on for support or a friendly chat when you need it. People often want to help. Prioritizing simple steps that can bring you joy or ease your burden is a good way to give them guidance about the help they can provide. Support groups and respite services may also be available in your community. - Know where to find help.
Caregivers are often pressed into their roles without any guidance or training for the things they are supposed to do to care for their loved on e at home or from afar. Knowing who to talk to or where to go in your community to get help is important to ensure that caregivers feel confident in carrying out their responsibilities. Area agencies on aging are located in every community and are a helpful place to start to find the support you need.
If you don’t know where to start, connecting with ADRC is a great first step. Call us at (920) 448-4300 and start the conversation. We are here to support you.
Source: www.npaf.org/resources/can-we-talk-about-caregiving
