Caregiver Guidelines

If you’re in the position of caring for someone with cancer or another serious disease, you’re probably also dealing with concerns for your loved one’s future. If you’re caring for a child with special needs, there may be uncertainty as to how to proceed. Being in the position of being a caregiver usually carries some heavy responsibility and sometimes scary situations. Approximately 45 million people in the United States devote a large portion of their lives to elder care or caregiving for someone who with a disability. Combine that with the demands of jobs, children and marriage, and the product is a tailor-made recipe for stress.

Whether you are parent and full-time caregiver, or are gradually taking over more and more duties for an aging loved one, it is essential that you be honest about what your own limits are, and seek out assistance when needed.  Caregivers devote themselves, sometimes unpaid and at their own expense, to the care for chronically ill or disabled family members, friends, or patients. This role often comes with a change in family dynamic, household disruption, and financial concerns.

As a caregiver it is essential to  to assess the reality of the level of care that is needed. If possible, talk to your care recipient and understand their needs and preferences, never doing for them what they can do for themselves. Other friends or family members may want to help out, so take any assistance that is offered and don't feel guilty about taking a little time for yourself.

As caregivers it is important we recognize and not ignore the physical and emotional symptoms which may impact our own health and well being. The work involved with caregiving is often overwhelming and factors such as inadequate support, poor management and planning can lead to caregiver burnout. When caregiver burnout occurs, the caregiving experience is not healthy for the caregiver or the recipient. We need to guard against caregiver burnout and avoid becoming overly tired and exhausted which can reduce our own body’s ability to ward off illness. 

Many caregivers are subject to feelings of increased sadness, irritability, fatigue and guilt. These feelings, if left unaddressed, can lead to chronic depression. Family caregivers suffer from major depression much more frequently than the rest of the population.  When a family caregiver suffers from depression, there are two people at risk - the family caregiver and the family member or friend for whom she or he cares. If you feel yourself becoming overwhelmed seek the help of your Doctor as soon as possible. If you don't want to do it for yourself then do it for your loved one! A successful caregiver does not ignore their own needs and realizes that they can't take care of others if they don't take care of themselves! The best present you can give your loved one: Your own good mental and physical health.

As a caregiver make sure you:

• Take a daily vitamin supplement
• Get exercise — make it a priority for both your mental and physical well-being.
• Get regular check-ups and do not ignore possible symptoms of ill health.
• Take a break from caregiving – respite time is crucial.
• Get a flu shot – more information here
• Watch for signs of depression – more information here
• Stay involved in hobbies
• Laugh with a friend
• Join a support group- There a support groups in every community or join a group online. Online support groups help you get the support you need but allow you the freedom to fit it in your busy schedule.