Building a support Network
Caregiving is not a solitary journey. We'll explore the importance of building a strong support network, both online and offline, and provide resources for connecting with other caregivers who can offer understanding, empathy, and practical advice.
When I was living those days in the hospital and then rehab, prior to bringing Rick home, I was at a lost for what support I needed. To be honest, I was living moment to moment. What I needed was a way to support both of us and the family financially, physically, emotionally and mentally. I was scared, exhausted and overwhelmed.
As a nurse, I thought that I should be able to handle all of this, after all I had been trained and work as a nurse for over 40 years. But to my dismay, as a spouse I was like a duck out of water.
The first year and a half, I tried to do it all. I also didn’t want to be a burden to anyone else so I never asked for support or even made the time to go to a support group meeting. Any free time, I would try to sleep and prepare for the next day. My reality was Rick’s reality and I placed my needs second.
And then the moment arrived that I realized that I could no longer put myself second if I wanted to be able to care for him and my family. My blood pressure was elevated, I had developed 3 ulcers, gained weight from stress eating and felt I had aged 10 years.
Don’t make the same mistake I made - reach out for support early and often.
So why is support so important?
The CDC shared the following information about caregivers. ..
For the full article, www.cdc.gov › features › supporting-caregivers
“Caregivers are family members or friends who typically provide unpaid, long-term, community-based care and assistance to older adults and people with chronic health conditions or disabilities. Caregivers help with a variety of routine tasks such as shopping, paying bills, bathing, dressing, and managing medicines. They are often a source of emotional support and companionship for care recipients.”
Caregivers: A Snapshot
58% of caregivers are women.
Almost one-third of caregivers provide care at least 20 hours a week.
Caregivers typically learn as they go and aren’t formally trained.
79% of caregivers care for adults aged 50 or older, and 76% of care recipients are aged 65 years and older.2
One in 6 non-caregivers expects to become a caregiver within two years.
Caregiving is also a public health concern because it can lead to physical, emotional, psychological, and financial strain. Providing personal care and helping with behavioral and cognitive issues can be stressful for caregivers and result in depression and anxiety. Nearly 1 in 5 caregivers reports fair or poor health.6 Caregivers often neglect their own health needs, increasing their risk of having multiple chronic conditions. Nearly 2 in 5 caregivers have at least two chronic diseases:
1 in 7 caregivers has heart disease and/or stroke.
1 in 5 caregivers aged 65 and older have coronary heart disease and/or stroke.
How to Support Caregivers?
Help them with errands, chores, and other tasks.
Provide emotional and social support.
Negotiate times to check in on them.
Make sure they are managing their own health care needs.
Help them create and manage a care plan for the person they care for.
Encourage them to seek mental health services if necessary.
If you are a caregiver, read about respite care.
Resources:
This week I would like to introduce the following support services:
VA Caregiver Support Program Home
The Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) Caregiver Support Program (CSP) offers clinical services to caregivers of eligible and covered Veterans enrolled in the VA health care system. The program’s mission is to promote the health and well-being of family caregivers who care for our Nation’s Veterans, through education, resources, support, and services. There is a CSP team CSP Team Locator located at every VA facilities .
National Family Caregiver Support Program
www.ncdhhs.gov/assistance/adult-services/family-caregiver-support
The NFCSP offers a range of services to support family caregivers: Information to caregivers about available services. Assistance to caregivers in gaining access to the services. Individual counseling, support groups and training to assist caregivers in the areas of health, nutrition and financial literacy.
Family Caregiver Guides - AARP® Caregiver Resource Guide
Make Your Caregiving Journey Easier with AARP's Family Caregiver Local Resource Guides. Find Caregiving Programs, Services & Agencies in Your State with AARP's Resource Guides.
There are resources available to support caregivers.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Caregiving
The Public Health Center of Excellence on Dementia Caregiving
The Caregiver Connection…Because you care!