Caretakers: How to help and how to be helped. Urmi Vaidya-Mathur, LCSW Northeast Regional Epilepsy Group
Overview What is a caregiver? (vs provider) Who is a caregiver? Are you a caregiver? Rewards, Risks, Stresses What you can do Resources
What is a caregiver? Someone who helps out in 1 or more ways: –Personal care –Helping around the house –Transportation/shopping –Organizing care –Psychosocial support –Financial/legal affairs –Living together
Are you a Caregiver? Do you: –Care for a family member or friend at home? –have a child with mental or physical needs? –Phone a friend or relative regularly to check on them and make sure they have taken their meds?
Recognition and Support for the Role of Caregivers Psychosocial needs and supports required for caregivers should be a part of the health care plan The importance/value of this group and saving health care costs are too large to ignore.
Caregiving: Joys and Rewards New relationship with care recipient Chance to give back and show love Sense of accomplishment New skills, knowledge, inner strengths Increased compassion, growth New relationships through support groups
Risks of Caregiving Increased risk of stress related illness Increased risk of substance abuse Increased risk of depression Decreased self care Decreased preventative healthcare
Sources of Caregiver Stress Emotional and physical strain Changing roles Changing relationships Competing demands Increasing isolation
What is stress? Normal part of everyday life Positive stress Negative stress Often think that stress is only an emotional reaction but stress is also a physical reaction to events
Signs of caregiver stress Physical –Headaches –Changes in eating pattersn –Sleep issues –Heart problems/high blood pressure
Signs of caregiver stress Mental and Emotional –Worry, fear, anxiety –Anger, irritability –Depressed mood –Decreased concentration –Feelings of being overwhelmed
Signs of Caregiver Stress Behavioral –Nervous habits –Smoking –Crying –Yelling –Blaming
Self care: Things You Can Do Exercise Healthy eating Stress reduction Seek intellectual and social opportunities Stay organized Make a schedule Get support as needed
Steps for Managing Stress 1.Know what condition you’re dealing with 2.Build on your own general health 3.Makes changes when possible 4.Change you view/attitude 5.Practice relaxation techniques 6.Know your resources
Managing stress 1.Know what you’re dealing with Understand the condition Plan ahead Be honest about your limitations Be aware of available programs and services
Managing Stress 2. Build on your general health -Exercise -Nutrition -Rest
Managing Stress 3. Make changes to the situation -Assertive communication -Arrange practical home help -Join a support group -Seek professional help
Managing Stress 4. Practice relaxation techniques - Stretching - Progressive muscle relaxation - Clearing your mind - Visualization - “Mindfullness”