Caregivers
Caregivers are people who take care of other adults, often parents or spouses, or children with special medical needs.Some caregivers are family members; others are paid. They help with: - Food shopping and cooking
- House cleaning
- Paying bills
- Giving medicine
- Going to the toilet, bathing and dressing
- Eating
- Providing company and emotional support
Caregiving is hard, and caregivers of chronically ill people often feel stress. They are "on call" 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/caregivers.html
Who Are Today's Caregivers?
A 1997 survey of caregivers for adults with brain disorders (Alzheimer's disease, stroke, head injury, Parkinson's disease, etc.) underscores the importance of taking care of caregivers. Here's what the survey found out about caregivers:
- About three-quarters of all caregivers are female.
- Caregivers' average age is 60.
- Three-quarters of caregivers live with the patient.
- Half of all caregivers also work outside the home. Some have had to quit working or reduce their work hours.
- Caregivers spend an average of 73 hours per week providing care for the patient
- About two-thirds of patients cannot be left alone. Half of these patients are unable to perform basic daily functions such as eating, bathing, or dressing
- About one-third of all caregivers receive no help from family and friends.
HEAD INJURIES HAPPEN TO FAMILIES
Seven things families need to remember
- Reinforce the behaviors you would like to see increase. Like a garden "water the behaviors you'd like to grow."
- When safety is not an issue, ignore the behavior you would like to decrease.
- Model the behaviors you would like to see.
- Avoid situations that provoke behaviors you are trying to reduce.
- Structure the environment, use cues for positive behaviors. Plan rest periods.
- Redirect the person rather than challenging them.
- Seek professional help sooner than later.
TIPS FOR TAKING CARE OF YOURSELF
- Ask for help if you need it, from other family members, friends or even neighbors. And, eventhough respite care is costly, your health is invaluable. Try to find a way to get the help you need.
- Get sufficient rest and sleep. We all know how important sleep is to keeping us healthy, both mentally and physically.
- Eat a healthy diet. Lots of fruit and vegetables. Use whole grain products and take a vitamin supplement.
- Don't neglect your own needs. Have someone else stay with the patent occasionally so you can get out with friends or go to a movie or concert.
- Exercise is important, even if it's only a walk. If the patient is unable to accompany you, either on foot or in a wheelchair, then, again, ask for help.
- See your doctor for regular checkups. Catch illnesses before they catch you.
- Join a support group, others you can call on to discuss problems and worries, or just to socialize, even if it's an online group. No need to go it alone.
Take care of yourself!
Unfortunately, even with the loss of the spouse, family member or friend, the problems of caregiving don't end. Much of the stress may be gone. However, often there's depression. It's usually mild, but occasionally severe, as much as three or more years after the death of the patient. Guilt and anger may be present as well. Loneliness is another factor, and that's only natural. He or she has been your closest companion for probably months or even years.
Start taking care of yourself now. It will help in years to come.
A Checklist of Concerns/Resources For Caregivers
Home and Community Based Services Waiver
for Persons with Brain Injury (BI)
Developing a Low-Cost Brain Injury Rehabilitation Program: Guidelines for Family members
Computers and Brain Injury: Some Guidelines for Rehabilitation
Cognitive-Behavioral Brain Injury Rehabilitation
Effects Of Caregiving On Health
Being a caregiver is a generous act. But evidence increasingly points to the fact that caregiving exacts a huge physical, emotional, and financial toll on the caregiver—even though it can be a source of great personal satisfaction.
Many caregivers become isolated and lose touch with social contacts. This can worsen stress and have a negative impact on their overall health.
Also, caregivers may have little time to take care of their own health or emotional needs, and they may find it difficult to take time for activities that they enjoy.
Brain Injury Family Caregiver
Caregivers and Chronic Brain-Related Illness
Millions of Americans are caregivers. Most of these caregivers arefamily members or friends who have the primary responsibility for taking care of loved ones who are ill or disabled and living at home.
The responsibility of making sure that all of a loved one's needs are fulfilled is often compounded by the emotional impact of watching the person suffer or possibly deteriorate in health.
Not surprisingly, caregivers almost invariably report high levels of stress. At least half of all caregivers juggle work, family, and caregiving responsibilities.
In this section, you'll learn more about today's caregivers and how caregiving can affect your health. You'll also find tips for coping with caregiving, as well as a special section for people caring for patients with Alzheimer's disease.
A number of organizations are devoted to providing support, in many forms, for caregivers and the people in their care. If you or someone you know is a caregiver, recognize that there is help available. After all, taking care of caregivers is essential—for the sake of the caregivers and those they care for.
Health Professionals, Patients and Caregivers
http://www.bianys.org/cdrom/03_Caregivers/Health_Professionals.pdf
Illinois Programs http://www.caregiver.org/caregiver/jsp/content_node.jsp?nodeid=1257
http://www.caregiver.com/