Caregiver Corner
The most important person in a seriously ill individual’s life is his/her caregiver! The caregiver is the person who not only tends to the individual’s personal care and health care needs, he/she typically is the one who keeps house, tends to the yardwork, grocery shops, experiences the emotional stresses of watching a loved one decline, and so much more. A caregiver typically neglects his or herself while caring for a loved one facing a serious illness. Here are a few resources for caregiving as well as a few ways to care for yourself, the caregiver.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
It’s hard to ask someone to help you out when you are being relied on so much. Asking a family member, friend, or neighbor to pick up a couple things at the store or sit with a loved one while you run some errands can take a huge stress off the caregiver. Don’t be afraid to reach out and get assistance when you need it. Schedule visits with loved ones so you have time to get a break.
Always respect your loved one’s privacy.
Even though your loved one is seriously ill and requiring around-the-clock care, he/she still deserves dignity, privacy, and a sense of self. Always include him/her in conversations, especially when it involves his/her care and don’t talk about him/her as if he/she is not there. Please include your loved one in conversations when he/she is awake, or please leave the room to discuss their condition if he/she is asleep or unconscious. When providing personal or illness-related care, use a curtain or door to maintain privacy. Please keep him/her covered with a sheet or towel when providing personal care and only uncover one part of the body at a time. If your loved one took pride in his/her appearance, please continue to do so for him/her- provide manicures, gently brush his/her hair, or keep facial hair neatly trimmed or shaved.
Just be there.
If you are the primary caregiver, be sure to spend time with your loved one and do activities you both love. Watch your favorite shows or movies. Listen to music you both enjoy. Talk about memories you both share. Have a laugh. Do a puzzle. Be sure to spend time with your loved one to continue to create positive memories. It can be difficult to slow down when caring for a loved one but always remember, he/she is still the loved one you have known forever. Also, make sure other visitors know the seriously ill patient’s schedule. Visitors should be welcomed, but only if the patient is up for it.
Make some time for yourself.
Be sure to shower, sleep, exercise, and eat! Attend weddings, graduations, vacations, or any special event. Don’t neglect your own health to care for a loved one. St. Anthony’s offers respite care at the Lucy Smith King Care Center. The patient can transfer to the Lucy Smith King Care Center and stay for up to 5 days and receive 24-hour per day care from our staff. We also have volunteers who can come to the patient’s home to sit with the patient while you run some errands or take some time for yourself.
Caregiver Confidence pdf:
