According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, there are 54 million informal caregivers – family members and friends who care for someone who is ill. As a caregiver of a loved one with mesothelioma, this list of tips may help you deal with your very important role.
Do you awaken at night to help your husband to the bathroom? Do you arrange your schedule to fit your mother’s doctors’ appointments? You are not alone. According to the 1997 National Alliance for Caregiving/AARP National Caregiver Survey, at least 22 million adults provide the care that is so critical in helping older people remain in their homes and other community settings. It is estimated that 80 percent of all care received by older Americans is provided by family members – spouses, children, grandchildren and other relatives – people just like you.
What You Can Do:
- Find someone you can talk to and discuss your feelings. All feelings are legitimate, even those that upset you (anger, sadness, guilt).
- Set realistic goals. Balancing work, family, and time for you is difficult. Determine your priorities, and turn to other people for help with some tasks.
- Carve out time for yourself, even if it’s just an hour or two. Go to a movie, have lunch with a friend, or just sit and read a book.
You Can Help Prevent Burnout By:
- Joining a caregiver support group: Check the newspaper or local library to locate one in your area. Sharing experiences with others can help you manage stress, locate resources, and reduce feelings of isolation.
- Talking to a professional: The clergy, social workers, psychologists, and nurses are often trained to provide counseling on caregiving issues. Help may also be available through your employee assistance program.
- Taking advantage of respite care: Respite care is a service that provides temporary care for an older person. Respite care may mean help with a specific task or having health care providers care for your relative at home or in an extended care facility while you go on vacation.
Partners in Care
As a caregiver, you are an important partner on the health care team. Establishing good relationships with health care providers will mean better care for your relative and less stress for you. Health care providers are a good resource for information about medical conditions. They can also help you and your family member understand his or her current health status and what to expect in the future.
There are many types of health care providers, some with similar sounding titles. Understand the role of each health care provider and how he or she will help with your relative’s care. Know when and who to call if questions or concerns come up.
- Ask questions if you don’t understand medical terms or technical language. Write down medications, treatments, or procedures that are unfamiliar to you.
- To make the most of appointments, have written questions ready for the health care provider.
- Ask health care providers to suggest the best time to call, when they might be free to answer questions. When calling, have important health information and records available.
- To avoid miscommunications, select one family member as the main contact for healthcare providers.
Recognize Signs of Stress
Caring for another person, especially over a long period of time, can be physically and emotionally draining. You may find yourself feeling listless, forced to do routine tasks, and wishing to be someplace else. If this sounds familiar, you are a candidate for caregiver burnout.
Resources to Help You
There are many resources that address caregiving, and services and programs to help you manage the care of your family member. Your local library is a good place to begin the search.
Many libraries offer disease-specific articles and publications, information about community resources, and increasingly offer patrons access to the Internet. Find out if your library offers caregiver education programs.
Source: National Alliance for Caregiving