Ask Edie!Caregivers Corner

The Caregiver's Corner

I. Caregiving

The Art of caring for someone other than ourselves at some point in our lives has been as a caregiver. We all have the capacity to be a caregiver. What we do not know is that if we find ourselves in that role, how will we react? Today with the population of senior citizens growing rapidly, catastrophic illness such as cancer, stroke, heart attacks and the like can strike suddenly. Many are thrust into the role of caregiving unexpectedly. "What do I do now" becomes paramount in the minds of those providing the caregiving and those receiving the care. Take heart; all is not lost. Thankfully with the current knowledge and understanding of the needs of the elderly and disabled, we are able to say, “I have the wherewithal to provide the best care at my disposal“. In this column we will be discussing the various aspects of caregiving.

II. Caregiving can be a rewarding experience!

This can be a time when you are able to repay Mom, Dad, Grandma, Grandpa, Aunt, Uncle, Sibling or even a dear friend for some of their past kindness to you. This makes caregiving much easier. However, you must be considerate of the needs of the recipient. Will I have to care for them at home? Will I be required to make financial decisions for them? Will I be making medical decisions for them? There are many unknowns that can and will surface as you continue your role as caregiver. Do not fear, help is available. You as a caregiver must be willing to ask for and seek out the various kinds of help that is available.

III.  Caring In The Home

First and foremost is to assess the needs of the one you are providing care. Know and understand what the illness or incapacitation is. Can the patient assist in his or her care? This is vitally important to the relationship between caregiver and the patient. No one wants to feel that they have lost the ability to care for themselves. This is especially important for those who are recovering from illnesses that were not terminal. For example, a patient recovering from a stroke. Perhaps for the first three to four months they may need continuous attention, but after 6-9 months they may need a limited amount of care, being with today's advances in the treatment of a stroke. Many within the span of a year may not need a caregiver at all. Nevertheless, an assessment of the needs inside the home is very important. Basic observations of safety in the home is paramount. Is the home safe?

Lighting - Are the areas where the patient spends most of his or her time well lit? Falls are common because the patient couldn't see the object that had caused his or her fall, which can result in a broken hip, leg, shoulder or other injuries.

Rugs - Scattered rugs must be removed from the areas that the patient uses, i.e.,hallways, kitchens, bathrooms and living rooms. These account for the majority of falls.

Furniture - Should be placed out of the line of traffic used to get to and from kitchens, bathrooms, and bedrooms.

Equipment - Equipment used to accommodate the needs of the patient can be wheelchairs, walkers, bedpans, bedside commodes, canes, reachers for picking up small items and oxygen concentrators. Also handy are grab bars or rails for the bath, shower chairs, hand held showerheads, toilet raisers, etc.

Smoke Detectors - Fire extinguishers and smoke detectors help to make the patient's environment safer.

IV. Responsibilities Of The Caregiver

Includes caring for the physical and emotional needs of the patient. Preparing meals for the patient can be a daunting task. Three nutritious meals a day should to be planned. This has to be based according to the illness. It is very important to check with the doctor and or a dietitian and follow his or her instructions. Here's where your skills come to play in caring for their emotional needs. Who wants to hear that his or her favorite foods are off limits and the word "Diet" brings out the beast in all of us. Sincere and empathetic talking with your patient can bring about cooperation on the part of the patient. Along with meal preparations, comes shopping for groceries. A grocery list and the budget in this regard is vital since finances can be strained at this time. If one needs help, there are food banks and food stamp programs that can be considered.

Physically providing personal care is different in each situation. Allowing the patient to perform whatever he or she can do on their own behalf can preserve his or her dignity and self-worth. If the physical care is beyond your capacity or expertise, there is help available such as Personal Care Providers, Certified Nurse’s Aide, RN's and LPN'S which can be obtained as necessary. This, of course, is dependant on the patient's financial situation. However, care can be provided through Medicare, Medicaid, or Health Insurance. Do not hesitate to seek out agencies for the elderly that can be of assistance in this regard. Regarding financial responsibilities; these matters can be unique to the patient-caregiver-family relationships and should be sort through an Elder Care Attorney, Social Services and/or Senior Care Agencies which can provide a wealth of information.

V. Help For The Caregiver 

Another aspect often overlooked by the caregiver is that there are many other sources of help. Within the family, there are family members who can give some assistance. Talk to the members about what's being done for the patient. Let them know that you would appreciate their input on the situation. Clear up any misunderstandings, as to what your role is in regard to care. Some may have the misconception that you are taking over and excluding them. Let them know that even the patient would like and desire interaction with others within the family circle. Also your well being as a caregiver is important in order for you to continue to be "physically and emotionally" capable of giving care. In this regard you as a caregiver should have some "downtime". Schedule beauty salon appointments for yourself as well as your patient. Take recreational time off at least once a week. Go to lunch, go for a walk, go to a movie, visit a friend or walk around the Mall. It will do wonders for your morale. If you were a volunteer at an organization before you became a caregiver, do not give up this activity. Arrange to donate any amount of hours you feel you are able to give. It will be appreciated and will increase respect for you as a caregiver. Also in spite of your patient's illness, there are many things that you can do to involve your patient in exercise and recreation. Many TV programs feature exercise for those who are house or wheelchair-bound. This is something you both can do together. Plan family dinners perhaps once a month. A family member can bring over a treat from a restaurant or some fast food establishment. This can brighten up the day for all concerned.