The Department of Psychiatry at the University of California, San Diego, provides this video presentation on Alzheimer's Caregiver Stress. Igor Grant, M.D., and Thomas Patterson, Phd. are featured. Special problems caregivers encounter in caring for Alzheimer's and Dementia patients are discussed.
Showing posts with label caregivers stress. Show all posts
Showing posts with label caregivers stress. Show all posts
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Sunday, December 23, 2007
What About Starting a Network of Caregivers' Telephone Helplines?
When caregivers need help but don't know where to turn, a Caregivers' Hotline could be a source of quick referrals to resources. Similar to the mental health hotlines, this could be a number to call when caregivers need to find a support group, a counselor, a place to vent, or resources for the person the caregiver is assisting. This idea has come to me because during the holidays, when part of the people are having a great time, I've been contacted by caregivers who are overwhelmed with stress and need help.
A Caregivers' Helpline, similar to other helplines, such as mental health helplines, could refer caregivers to resources in the same way. It could be a place to call for caregivers who are feeling they are in a crisis. Counselors could refer the caregivers to groups, caregiver counseling, caregiver support, resources to provide caregiver relief, and other helpful resources.
The holidays can be happy times, but doctors and counselors know that the holidays can also be times of crises. When the "cognitive distance" between those who are enjoying the holidays and those who are overwhelmed with stress becomes too great for overworked caregivers, the sense of isolation intensifies.
Some type of help is needed for those caregivers who are in crises, during the holidays or anytime. A network of Caregiver's Helplines or Caregivers' Crises Hotlines, staffed by volunteers who are trained in referring people to resources, and in good listening skills, would reach out to isolated caregivers who are in a crisis.
Many caregivers are not proficient with the internet, or cannot afford computers. A telephone number would be a way to reach these people. I volunteer at a seniors' center and many of the seniors have a spouse who is a caregiver, and who does not know how to use computers. Many younger caregivers have never had the time to study computers or high tech, and/or, have never had the finances to afford computers in the midst of family financial crises.
A Caregivers' Helpline, similar to other helplines, such as mental health helplines, could refer caregivers to resources in the same way. It could be a place to call for caregivers who are feeling they are in a crisis. Counselors could refer the caregivers to groups, caregiver counseling, caregiver support, resources to provide caregiver relief, and other helpful resources.
The holidays can be happy times, but doctors and counselors know that the holidays can also be times of crises. When the "cognitive distance" between those who are enjoying the holidays and those who are overwhelmed with stress becomes too great for overworked caregivers, the sense of isolation intensifies.
Some type of help is needed for those caregivers who are in crises, during the holidays or anytime. A network of Caregiver's Helplines or Caregivers' Crises Hotlines, staffed by volunteers who are trained in referring people to resources, and in good listening skills, would reach out to isolated caregivers who are in a crisis.
Many caregivers are not proficient with the internet, or cannot afford computers. A telephone number would be a way to reach these people. I volunteer at a seniors' center and many of the seniors have a spouse who is a caregiver, and who does not know how to use computers. Many younger caregivers have never had the time to study computers or high tech, and/or, have never had the finances to afford computers in the midst of family financial crises.
Friday, November 30, 2007
Caregivers' Self-Care During Holidays - Know You Are Special
It is tempting to overlook our own needs in order to take care of others during the holidays. However, if we are not functioning well or our own health gives out we won't be able to continue caregiving. The giving spirit of the holidays seems to spur the impulse sometimes to meet ideals of generosity and caring. As caregivers, we are already putting our heart and soul into helping others and giving our best efforts.
When I worked in medical offices we knew that the holidays are one of the busiest times. The stress and exhaustion that occurs when people try to heroically sacrifice themselves for others is common during the Thanksgiving to New Years weeks.
Guilt is common among caregivers, and so is wishing we could do just a little more. If you feel like this perhaps it will help to know you have plenty of company.
By the end of the holidays caregivers can be collapsing from exhaustion.
We all wish we could do more. But, just being a caregiver means you are a warm, caring person, and a very special person. There is no need to try to prove yourself further.
What can each of us, as caregivers, do to take good care of ourselves? The self-care tips are frequently listed and probably familiar to most of us. Nutrition, vitamins, exercise, social time, activities and hobbies, relaxation and stress reduction are some of the steps. Easy to say, but not always easy to do when time and money cause constraints.
Finding respite care is one of the top priorities and challenges. This can include programs from the Alzheimer's Association, the Area Agency on Aging, Adult Day Care, Shared Care, and paid Agency Caregivers or Independent Caregivers who meet the necessary criteria.
When I worked in medical offices we knew that the holidays are one of the busiest times. The stress and exhaustion that occurs when people try to heroically sacrifice themselves for others is common during the Thanksgiving to New Years weeks.
Guilt is common among caregivers, and so is wishing we could do just a little more. If you feel like this perhaps it will help to know you have plenty of company.
By the end of the holidays caregivers can be collapsing from exhaustion.
We all wish we could do more. But, just being a caregiver means you are a warm, caring person, and a very special person. There is no need to try to prove yourself further.
What can each of us, as caregivers, do to take good care of ourselves? The self-care tips are frequently listed and probably familiar to most of us. Nutrition, vitamins, exercise, social time, activities and hobbies, relaxation and stress reduction are some of the steps. Easy to say, but not always easy to do when time and money cause constraints.
Finding respite care is one of the top priorities and challenges. This can include programs from the Alzheimer's Association, the Area Agency on Aging, Adult Day Care, Shared Care, and paid Agency Caregivers or Independent Caregivers who meet the necessary criteria.
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