The role of caregiver is a timeless occupation but the name is a rather modern phrase. Broken down, the word “care” means the treatment or attention received when in need and the word “giver” refers to someone who provides an object or service. Put together and “caregiver” means someone who provides nurturing attention and treatment in response to a need. When put like this, almost everyone could be a caregiver. A child is the caregiver of their pet while mom or dad is the caregiver of the children, providing food and clothing. However, caregiver predominantly refers an adult who provides treatment and attention to a loved one who is in health distress.
Caregiving typically starts slowly with you possibly running your loved one to the store or doctor so they don’t have to drive. This role morphs into larger responsibilities such as taking over bill paying and other financial aspects. As health and mental capacity declines, you (the caregiver) end up providing help with personal tasks such as toilet trips, grooming, assistance in eating and more. Continue reading →
Posted in: Caregiver roles, Elder care, Uncategorized.
Tagged: aging parents · caregiver · caregiving role · learning experience
KPBSSanDiego asked:
www.kpbs.org Reporter Amita Sharma spoke with a San Diego man who quit his job to look after his father who is in the middle stages of Alzheimer's. The two men see this time as a chance to reconnect. For more on this story, visit www.kpbs.org
Caregiving Overview for Caregivers
Posted in: Education.
Tagged: Alzheimer S Caregiver · Gomez · San Diego
Acting as a caregiver is never an easy task, but if the patient you are looking after has dementia, it becomes an even more difficult burden. Patients with dementia often cannot be left alone, and you have to worry not only about taking care of their health but also their safety. Plus, as the dementia worsens, the patient will become and more and more difficult to communicate with, and their mood swings can be distressing. If you find yourself in the position of caring for someone with dementia, learning to understand their condition and how to communicate with them as effectively as possible is critical for both of you. This will help the patient get what they need and will help lighten the load that you are carrying. Here are some tips to keep in mind when you are faced with a loved one with dementia. Continue reading →
Posted in: Dementia.
Tagged: attention focus · caregiver · caregiving · Communication · Elder care · guilt · medical issues
It is quite normal to feel overwhelmed when faced with assuming the role of caregiver. There are a number of people in this country who are now taking care of their parents in their declining years. You may have actually been a caregiver for years without realizing it before an accident or event changed your perception. Do you feel you are even a caregiver? Here are some signs that indicate you soon will be if you are not already:
1. Your once vibrant dad is now being plagued with a lot of little health problems, nothing earth-shattering or life-threatening – but enough to hamper his lifestyle.
2. You find your loved one’s bank statements and unpaid bills laying on their desk unopened when they were once really diligent about paying on time. Continue reading →
Posted in: Caregiver Burnout, Elder care.
Tagged: aging parents · burnout · caregivers · caregiving · Elder care · parents
When it comes to taking care of an aging loved one, it’s important to not only think about the needs of the person that are physical needs, such as being warm enough and being fed and bathed, but also about the needs that are more psychological.
Many caregivers notice that when the person they are caring for is more able to do things independently that they are happier. Part of being able to do something independently is mobility; fortunately, for caregivers and for those with reducing mobility, there are many devices that can help a person with reduced mobility get around safely. Continue reading →
Posted in: Technology.
Tagged: adaptive technology · cane · scooter · walkers
