Support for the Caregiver
To download the Care Management Brochure click here
To download the African American Caregivers Brochure click here
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You are not alone
As a caregiver for an older adult, whether it
is your parent, your spouse, a relative or friend, there may
be times when you feel alone. It is important to remember the
following:
You are not alone in the feelings and emotions you experience. Research from the National Alliance for Caregivers and AARP indicates that common caregiver emotions are anxiety, frustration, and a heavy sense of responsibility for making major life decisions for another. A Robert Wood Johnson study concludes, "Caregivers are a population at risk. Many caregivers are depressed, and they feel isolated and burdened. Their physical and mental health is worse than that of the general adult population and their health status shows classic symptoms of stress."
Increasing numbers of professionals are paying attention to what you are experiencing, and there is both practical and emotional support to help you cope.
You are not alone, because you are one of a major and rapidly growing segment of our society caring for older adults. More than eighty percent of the care given to older adults is not provided by institutions or long term care facilities; it is provided by people like you: adult children, spouses, family, and friends.
The number of caregivers in our nation is substantial - by some estimates more than 35 million - and the unanimous, resounding message delivered by individuals who care for their older loved ones is: FAMILIES NEED HELP with the responsibilities and tasks of caregiving.
You are not alone in that the Care Management Solutions Program of Lutheran Family Services of Colorado has the expertise and experience to help you, and has provided this web site to allow you to access resources, services and support that are available to you as a caregiver and to the older loved one in your life. There is help!
Insights and Tips
Avoiding Alzheimer's
Waking up to the benefits of caregiving
Much research been conducted about the stress of caregiving for older adults. It is pretty well established, for instance, that “caregivers experience depression at three times the rate of others in their own age group, and they are more likely to fall physically ill.” There is no question that caregiving can be one of life’s more arduous challenges. But it is also a proven fact that one’s attitude can be a powerful, positive force in tackling demanding situations. Caregiving for a parent, spouse or other older adult can bring a number of benefits to the caregiver as well as the care receiver. As a caregiver, here are just a few things you may want to consider:
- You can develop parts of one’s relationship with the care receiver that you wouldn’t otherwise have, such as what’s really important to them and, perhaps, what does it mean to them to end life “well.”\
- You can learn new skills and new aspects about what you are capable of doing.
- Develop/strengthen creative thinking, information and resources for one’s own journey through aging.
- Gain an opportunity to engage your nurturing self – to give.
- You can learn to appreciate “small victories” – and, to say “no” when you need to.
- Learn how to grieve: that this is a necessary process and that one can make it through.
- It does make a difference in how you approach caregiving. Doubtless you can add to this list of benefits.
Respite: Knowing and doing are two different things.
Meanings of the word “respite” are revealing. “Breathing space,” “relief,” “break” and “let-up” are among them. For the caregiver, the message is obvious; people need a “break,” some “breathing space” from the often demanding tasks of caregiving. If they don’t, it’s almost guaranteed they will become less healthy, as well as less than helpful to the older adult for whom they are caring. Barry Jacobs, author of The Emotional Guide for Caregivers, reminds us to marvel at what caregivers manage to do rather than to simply chastise them for not taking time out. But he also says, “…what I know of most caregiver situations is that they’re not sprints, they’re marathons. They go uphill and downhill for long stretches, during which caregivers must pace themselves and take breaks for water and a little nourishment.” Most caregivers probably know this. They’ve heard it before. Doing it is another matter. It might be helpful to keep the following in mind:
- Respite is really not an option, it’s a must, or you will suffer.
- Ask for help: A friend, your church, family members, etc. to sit in for awhile, run errands – or just to talk.
- There are almost always resources for respite available in your community. Call local facilities such as skilled nursing and assisted living communities, home health agencies and other Senior organizations. Some non-profits provide services on a sliding fee scale.
- Find and attend a support group.
- Get out and walk, garden, catch a movie, lunch or dinner; give yourself a regular treat to look forward to – and do it!
For additional information about our services, please call or e-mail us at:
Denver Office: 303- 922-3433, ext. 5835
caremanagement@lfsco.org.
