When families face the challenge of obtaining care for a loved one, or even when family members assume the caregiver role themselves, aside from ensuring the person providing care is qualified, there is nothing more important than compatibility. Especially as the patient's condition progresses and more time must be spent with a caregiver. See how it impacted Marilyn's mother, Carol:
Two-thirds of seniors will need some form of long-term care at some point in their lives, according to this study. And by 2010, 50% of all consumer spending in the US will be by the aging population (50+). So it almost goes without saying that there will be an increase in the need for quality care and people who provide it. With home health employment expected to grow a whopping 49% to more than 1.1 million workers nationally by 2016, we need to evaluate the state of home health nursing and caregiving.
According to a recent article, along with an increasing number of patients needing care and home health employees, there is also an increasing risk of hazards, specifically needlestick injuries, in home healthcare nurses – and the need to ensure that those who are providing care are cared for themselves. Caregivers are no good to any of us unless they are healthy and happy. Here are a few tips to promote balance and reduce stress when you’re caring for someone else:
- Safety in numbers. If you don’t feel as though you can administer care on your own, make it a team effort. It’s so important to know your own limits and to keep the best interest of the person for whom you are caring in mind at all times – even if that means calling for back-up.
- Recruit a support system. Vent and de-stress with family and friends – that’s what they are there for. Leaning on other caregivers for support can also be invaluable because they’ve been there and you can learn from their experiences (and vice versa). There are also a number of resources online and, often, caregiver conferences and events that are focused on caregiver relief.
- Don’t forget YOU. Time and time again, people say, “Make time for yourself!” and it’s true. Achieving balance is necessary, so make some time to do what you want and to unplug from the stresses of daily life. Balanced also means health – eat balanced meals, exercise to relieve tension and make sure you rest when you are sick.
Are you a caregiver, or do you know someone who is? What helps them to achieve balance? Share your stories with us!