Caregiving
I mentioned in my first post that I was glad I am retired and was able to go to assist my sister who slipped on ice and broke her arm. I was happy to be able to do this, and not have to worry about schedules and work and other commitments.
But that got me thinking about caregiving in general. In 2012 Statistics Canada reported that at some point nearly half of Canadians will be caregivers. Most caregivers will spend less than 10 hours a week in caregiving, but one in ten will spend over 30 hours a week caregiving.
Who are they helping?
Most caregiving is for a spouse or close loved one. Many provide care for elderly parents. Sadly some people must care for children, and as in my case, for siblings or friends. In other words, you can be thrust into the role of caregiver at any time!
What do they do?
Imagine everything that must be done to keep your life moving - that's what caregivers do. Transportation, housework, cooking, house maintenance, assisting with medical appointments and medical care, personal care, and assistance with finances.
Who are the caregivers?
Usually caregivers have a paid job or a business (60%), and 23% had children under 18. Most caregivers (66%) are women.
Caregivers can develop their own health issues including stress, depression, digestion issues, high blood pressure and pain.
How do they do it?
Caregivers do a lot of juggling to meet all their obligations. They often decrease work hours, pass up promotions or other opportunities at work, take a leave of absence, or even quit work or retire early.
Clearly there is a lot going on for caregivers. In my case I was called upon to assist for a short time, but for some it can be a prolonged time. It is critical that caregivers also take care of themselves.
What can you do to take care of yourself?
Learn about the illness or disease: attend medical appointments if possible.
Trust your instincts and your own knowledge of the person you are caring for.
Allow yourself to feel anxiety, worry, anger, guilt and grief. This is normal.
Don't try to do it all: ask other family members and friends for help, take advantage of community services and assistance through the medical system.
Talk to a trusted confidant and stay in touch with your friends.
Keep a journal (see my previous post about the benefits of keep a notebook!)
Eat right and exercise regularly (go for a walk).
Get enough sleep.
Finally, try to enjoy this special time with your loved one. We don't often get an opportunity to spend close, quality time with our loved ones, and caregiving can provide you with some special time to make memories.
Oh, and Happy Valentines Day to all those caregivers who are working so hard!
But that got me thinking about caregiving in general. In 2012 Statistics Canada reported that at some point nearly half of Canadians will be caregivers. Most caregivers will spend less than 10 hours a week in caregiving, but one in ten will spend over 30 hours a week caregiving.
Who are they helping?
Most caregiving is for a spouse or close loved one. Many provide care for elderly parents. Sadly some people must care for children, and as in my case, for siblings or friends. In other words, you can be thrust into the role of caregiver at any time!
What do they do?
Imagine everything that must be done to keep your life moving - that's what caregivers do. Transportation, housework, cooking, house maintenance, assisting with medical appointments and medical care, personal care, and assistance with finances.
Who are the caregivers?
Usually caregivers have a paid job or a business (60%), and 23% had children under 18. Most caregivers (66%) are women.
Caregivers can develop their own health issues including stress, depression, digestion issues, high blood pressure and pain.
How do they do it?
Caregivers do a lot of juggling to meet all their obligations. They often decrease work hours, pass up promotions or other opportunities at work, take a leave of absence, or even quit work or retire early.
Clearly there is a lot going on for caregivers. In my case I was called upon to assist for a short time, but for some it can be a prolonged time. It is critical that caregivers also take care of themselves.
What can you do to take care of yourself?
Learn about the illness or disease: attend medical appointments if possible.
Trust your instincts and your own knowledge of the person you are caring for.
Allow yourself to feel anxiety, worry, anger, guilt and grief. This is normal.
Don't try to do it all: ask other family members and friends for help, take advantage of community services and assistance through the medical system.
Talk to a trusted confidant and stay in touch with your friends.
Keep a journal (see my previous post about the benefits of keep a notebook!)
Eat right and exercise regularly (go for a walk).
Get enough sleep.
Finally, try to enjoy this special time with your loved one. We don't often get an opportunity to spend close, quality time with our loved ones, and caregiving can provide you with some special time to make memories.
Oh, and Happy Valentines Day to all those caregivers who are working so hard!
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