1. The Cancer Nutrition Network for Texans presents: Creating Cancer Care Teams: A workshop for Cancer Patients and their Family Caregivers The CNNT is funded by the University of Texas Medical Branch and the Texas Cancer Council Contract # 08-94

2. Information for Caregivers The Hidden Challenges – A Caregiver’s Guide

3. Understanding Caregiving Who can be a caregiver? Caregivers to the patient may be: –Family Members –Friend –Neighbor –Support Group Member –Life Partner –Confidants –Nurses –YOU!

4. A Place to Start Helpful Tips for Caregivers Create a safe environment at home Ask for help from family, friends, and others Take care of yourself

5. Caregiver Training Caregivers need to be familiar with the following topics: Learning about a particular disease Working with medical professionals Navigating the healthcare system Daily living activities (bathing, dressing and eating) Home safety preparation Maintaining medical records Managing medication Operating medical equipment Pain management or nutrition counseling Coping techniques Assessing pain

6. The Wong-Baker Faces Pain Rating Scale Choose the face that best describes how you feel.

8. Take Breaks from Caregiving Read a book Rest Take a walk or exercise Meditate or pray Taking Care of Yourself

9. Caregiver Health Tips: Get regular check-ups Get a flu shot and pneumonia vaccine Exercise regularly Eat a healthy diet that includes fruits and vegetables Take classes in how to reduce and deal with stress Participate in religious or spiritual activities Do recreational activities, sports, hobbies or spend time with friends

10. ____ I am getting at least seven hours of restful sleep a night ____ Personal hygiene and grooming are done on a daily basis ____ I am keeping social obligations ____ I talk with or spend time with friends at least twice a week ____ I am spending adequate time with my spouse and/or children ____ I am exercising at least three times a week ____ I am eating well balanced nutritious meals and snacks ____ I have not gained weight or lost weight ____ I am taking only the medications as prescribed to keep up my health ____ I keep annual medical and dental appointments ____ My legal and financial papers, including wills, are in order and available ____ I have checked a new resource regarding caregiving ____ I have read and am aware of the Caregiver’s Bill of Rights Weekly Checklist for the Caregiver

11. Help is Available It’s OK to ask for help. Many services are available such as: General Caregiving Skills Home Safety Positioning and Helping your Loved One Move Assisting with Personal Care Healthy Eating Caring for the Caregiver Legal and Financial Issues Caring for a Loved One with Alzheimer’s Disease or Dementia Caring for a Loved One with HIV/AIDS Contact your local Red Cross chapter for more information on caregiver training programs.

12. Most caregivers feel stress because they feel that they are all alone in what they do. Support for the Caregiver Think about joining a support group.

13. Respite Care What is Respite Care? Respite Care is temporary relief (a break) for caregivers and families who are caring for those with disabilities, chronic or terminal illnesses or the elderly. Who can provide respite? Friends and Family Online Support Groups Healthcare Providers

14. PROMOTORA: PLEASE ADD LIST OF LOCAL COMMUNITY RESOURCES THAT PROVIDE RESPITE CARE HERE

15. Managing the Unknown Think Positive Be involved with positive people You are what you think You feel what you want What you think and feel affect your health

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17. Think Positive Examples of positive commitments are: “I commit to doing yoga three times a week.” “I commit to smiling more at those around me everyday.” “I commit to telling others how much they mean to me.”

18. Dealing with Emotions It is normal to feel: Overwhelmed Anger Guilt Fear Loss and Sorrow Strained Isolated Fatigued Stressed Compromised

19. 10 Signs of Caregiver Burnout 1.Denial 2.Anger 3.Social withdrawal 4.Anxiety 5.Depression 6.Exhaustion 7.Sleeplessness 8.Irritability 9.Lack of concentration 10.Health problems Caregiver Burnout

20. Summary As you have learned, caring for yourself as the caregiver is as important as caring for your loved one that is ill. Keep your strength up physically, emotionally, and spiritually and you will be a better caregiver for your patient, family member or friend. The role of the caregiver is an important one. It may even be the most important job you will ever do.