1. Caretakers: How to help and how to be helped. Urmi Vaidya-Mathur, LCSW Northeast Regional Epilepsy Group

2. Overview What is a caregiver? (vs provider) Who is a caregiver? Are you a caregiver? Rewards, Risks, Stresses What you can do Resources

3. 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

4. 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?

5. 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.

6. 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

7. Risks of Caregiving Increased risk of stress related illness Increased risk of substance abuse Increased risk of depression Decreased self care Decreased preventative healthcare

8. Sources of Caregiver Stress Emotional and physical strain Changing roles Changing relationships Competing demands Increasing isolation

9. 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

10. Signs of caregiver stress Physical –Headaches –Changes in eating pattersn –Sleep issues –Heart problems/high blood pressure

11. Signs of caregiver stress Mental and Emotional –Worry, fear, anxiety –Anger, irritability –Depressed mood –Decreased concentration –Feelings of being overwhelmed

12. Signs of Caregiver Stress Behavioral –Nervous habits –Smoking –Crying –Yelling –Blaming

13. 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

14. 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

15. 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

16. Managing Stress 2. Build on your general health -Exercise -Nutrition -Rest

17. Managing Stress 3. Make changes to the situation -Assertive communication -Arrange practical home help -Join a support group -Seek professional help

18. Managing Stress 4. Practice relaxation techniques - Stretching - Progressive muscle relaxation - Clearing your mind - Visualization - “Mindfullness”