Vous êtes sur la page 1sur 36

Caregiving

Principal authors: Peter S. Houts, PhD and Carole Bean Booklet editor: Peter S. Houts, PhD
This handout is based on a chapter from Eldercare at Home, a publication of The AGS Foundation for Health in Aging (FHA). Visit www.healthinaging.org for more information on the workbook and presentation kits, as well as access the full text of Eldercare at Home (without illustrations). This handout can be reproduced and distributed provided it is not altered or sold for profit.

2004 The AGS Foundation for Health in Aging

The AGS Foundation for Health in Aging Eldercare At Home - Caregiving

There are five parts to this Booklet

Understanding the problem


Defines the problem, who is likely to have it, and what kinds of things can be do to deal with it.

When to call for professional help


Explains when to call for help immediately or during officeours as well as lists o h information you should have before you call.

What you can do to help


What you can do to help with the problem and to prevent it.

Carrying out your plan


How to deal with problems in carrying out your plan, how to check on progresan s, what to do if your plan isnt working.

Booklet summary
Summarizes what you can do to manage this problem. You can use this section t get a quick overview of what you can do. Each action you can take is in bold and has a picture illustrating the action.

An important resource for this booklet was the Caring Families manual developed by the Family Caregiver Project at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. The authors of the Caring Families manual were D.D. Fernald, PhD; James R. Cook, PhD; and Catherine A. Gutman, DrPH, RN. Its development was supported by grant no. 90PD0153 from the Office of Human Development Services of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

The AGS Foundation for Health in Aging Eldercare At Home - Caregiving

Understanding the Problem


Juan is learning about how he can give good care to his mother.

Caring for an older person at home requires a team of people with different skills and perspectives. Doctors, nurses, social workers, and clergy all make important, specialized contributions, but family members or friends give the day-to-day care. Your close personal relationship with the person you are caring for helps you to understand and interpret his or her feelings, wishes, and needs. You are also the first to become aware of many physical and emotional problems, the first to deal with those problems, and often are the person who carries out plans that you and other team members develop. As a team member, your job is to work cooperatively with other members of the teamboth family and professionalin solving caregiving problems. To do this you need to use the four problem-solving steps discussed in the first chapter of this book. As much as possible, the older person and the whole family need to be involved in problem-solving. Involve other family members in planning and making decisions, as well as carrying out plans. Give them information and invite them to express their concerns. This can reduce your burden and any criticism by other family members who may not be as directly involved. Remember that the older person is also a member of the team. His or her participation is essential for plans to succeed. It is also his or her right to be involved. Emphasize the positive parts of caregiving. Some caregivers see their work as helping someone about whom they care deeply. Others see caregiving spiritually, as part of Gods plan for them. Many feel that caregiving has enriched their lives. Others see it as a challenge and want to do the best job they can. And some see

The AGS Foundation for Health in Aging Eldercare At Home - Caregiving

caregiving as a way of showing appreciation for the love and care they have received themselves. Caregiving can have important benefits. Caring for an older person at home can give you a sense of satisfaction and confidence. You will discover inner strengths that you didnt realize you had. Caregiving can draw families together and can help people feel closer to the person who needs care. You can also use your caregiving to open doors to new friends and relationships. This can happen from talking to other people who have faced the same problems, from meeting people in a support group, from meeting health professionals who showed understanding and concern, and from family members who may have grown distant but who now are drawn together because of this difficult situation. Your goals for caregiving are: Be an effective team member working with doctors, other health professionals, family, and friends in solving caregiving problems Involve the person you are caring for as much as possible in your caregiving plans Take care of your own needs so that you have the emotional and physical strength to be an effective caregiver Call for professional help when needed

The AGS Foundation for Health in Aging Eldercare At Home - Caregiving

When to Get Professional Help for yourself


Elizabeth is calling the doctors office when the doctor has office hours.

Caregiving is challenging and rewarding, but it is also very hard work. As a result, you may experience stress and need professional help yourself. Ask for help from a doctor or other health professionals if any of the following conditions exist. You are experiencing moderate to severe depression You should get professional help if you are experiencing mood swings going from periods of depression to periods of agitation and high energy; if you feel sad most of the day, have lost interest in most of your daily activities, have difficulty paying attention to what you are doing, and have trouble making choices; if you are thinking seriously of harming or killing yourself; or if you have been severely depressed before this illness and recognize early symptoms of depression.

Mary is feeling sad and depressed and can only think of bad things that could happen. So she calls the doctor during office hours.

The AGS Foundation for Health in Aging Eldercare At Home - Caregiving

When to Get Professional Help for yourself Getting help for depression is just like getting help for physical problems. It is normal to be upset at times when caring for someone in your home for a long period of time. Professionals such as social workers, counselors, clergy, psychologists and psychiatrists are skilled and experienced in helping depressed people. Your family doctor can also be helpful in assessing how severe your depression is and in recommending a professional to help you. Your family doctor may also help by prescribing medicine to help for short periods of time You are feeling overwhelmed and not sure you can manage at home Ask for help from your Area Office on Aging, social workers, or counselors who are familiar with services that are available in the community. This includes respite care where someone comes to the home to stay with the older person so that you can leave, do errands, visit friends, go to meetings, and get recreation or rest.

Angela is very upset because she cannot do all the things she wants to do for her grandmother. So she calls the doctor during office hours.

You need information and guidance about moving the older person to a nursing home or other care setting Social workers are often knowledgeable about nursing homes in your area. They often know about costs, the kinds of services each provides, and how patients and families have felt about the care given there.

Thelma is wondering what kind of nursing home would be best for her grandmother. So she calls the doctors office during office hours.
6

The AGS Foundation for Health in Aging Eldercare At Home - Caregiving

What You Can Do To be a Supportive Caregiver


George wants to help his dad.

Involve the older person in developing and carrying out care plans. This is one of your most important jobs. It can also be the most challenging. Mental as well as physical problems may make it difficult for older people to participate in planning their care. However, their participation is essential. When they participate, they feel respected and are more likely to feel committed to the plan and to cooperate in carrying it out.

Angela is asking her mother to help solve a caregiving problem.

To help the older person participate, you have to pay special attention to what you say and how you say it. For example, speaking where the older person can see your face, speaking clearly, speaking slowly, sitting close so you can have direct eye contact, leaning forward or nodding your head to show interest, avoiding interrupting or judging, and watching for signs of fatigue or tension.

The AGS Foundation for Health in Aging Eldercare At Home - Caregiving

What You Can Do To be a Supportive Caregiver Be realistic and flexible about what you hope to communicate and agree on. If the older person has difficulty understanding you, remembering what you said, and making decisions, then you will have to simplify your explanations and the decisions you ask him or her to make. Andys dad is shaking his head because he doesnt understand. So Andy is making his explanation simpler. If the older person disagrees or wont cooperate with the plan

Suggest a trial run or a time limit this puts off a final decision until he or she has had a chance to try the plan.

Amanda suggests that her mother try a plan for just a week. Then she can decide if she likes it.

The AGS Foundation for Health in Aging Eldercare At Home - Caregiving

If the older person disagrees or wont cooperate with the plan Explain your needs openly. Sometimes you will need to ask the older person to do things to make your life easier or your caregiving responsibilities more manageable. Remember that not all decisions will make everyone happy. On some issues you will have to compromise and, on others, youll have to ask the older person to compromise.

Nancy is telling her mother about her own problems. Her mother has to understand Nancys needs as well as her own.

Choose your battles carefully. Ask yourself, What is really important here? You can save energy by skipping the minor conflicts and using your energy and influence on issues that really count. Vickie and her father disagree about something that Vickie thinks is very important. So she is standing her ground. But she lets her father have his way on things that are not important to her.

The AGS Foundation for Health in Aging Eldercare At Home - Caregiving

If the older person disagrees or wont cooperate with the plan Let the person you are caring for make decisions as much as possible. If the older person understands the consequences of a decision, you should accept his or her right to make the decision. If you are concerned about safety or health, suggest only options that are safe.

Nancy is asking her aunt to choose which way to go. Nancy helps her aunt to make as many decisions as possible.

The AGS Foundation for Health in Aging Eldercare At Home - Caregiving

10

Work with health professionals


Below are some practical suggestions to keep in mind when you need information and help from the doctor or other health professionals.

Be clear about what information you want and get to the point as soon as possible. Make lists of questions and concerns and have the lists in front of you when talking to health professionals.

Thelma has a list of questions when she sees the doctor.

Have all the information health professionals may need when you call. Try to think ahead to what information medical staff may need, and try to have it ready when you talk to them about a problem. This will help the staff give you the information and guidance you need quickly.

When Melonie calls the doctor, she has a list of information so she can answer the doctors questions.

The AGS Foundation for Health in Aging Eldercare At Home - Caregiving

11

Work with health professionals


Be firm and straightforward about getting the information and help you need. Health professionals are here to help you be a good caregiver. Make your requests with confidence so that you will get the information you need and dont be afraid to admit when you do not understand. Remain calm. Being angry is not usually helpful. Being pleasant, firm, persistent, and showing appreciation are usually the best strategies.

Tanya asks the doctor for information in a nice way. She keeps asking nicely until she gets the information she needs.

The AGS Foundation for Health in Aging Eldercare At Home - Caregiving

12

Take care of your own needs and feelings


You need to be at your best to do the best job of helping. Therefore, you should pay attention to your own needs as well as those of the person you are caring for. Set limits on what you can reasonably expect yourself to do. Take time off to care for yourself and your needs and ask for help before stress builds up.

Schedule positive experiences for yourself. There are three types of positive experiences that you need for good mental health: enjoyable activities with other people (examples: talking with a friend, playing with grandchildren, attending a meeting), activities that give you a sense of accomplishment (examples: cooking a special meal, exercising, helping others, finishing a project), and activities that just make you feel good (examples: watching a funny movie, playing with a pet, walking out of doors, listening to favorite music). You should plan for each of these types of activities regularly. If you dont, caregiving may fill up all your time which will then increase your stress and reduce your ability to give good care.

Kit is marking on the calendar when she will do things that she likes to do. This will help her relax and to do a better job caring for her grandfather.

The AGS Foundation for Health in Aging Eldercare At Home - Caregiving

13

Take care of your own needs and feelings Pay attention to your own positive experiences. Make an effort to notice and talk about pleasant experiences as they happen during the day. It is often helpful to set aside a special time each evening when you can think about - or share with others - the good things that happened that day. Another idea that many people have found useful is to make lists of pleasant experiences. Keep these lists and read them over from time to time to remind yourself about the good things as they happen. After you have done this for awhile, you will find yourself noticing good things as they happen and youll start the day looking forward to pleasant things that will happen.

Angela takes time at the end of every day to make a list of the good things that happened to her that day.

Be sure you get enough rest. If you are physically exhausted, your ability to cope with problems will decrease. You will be a better problem-solver when you are rested. Thelma makes sure that she gets plenty of sleep. This helps her to give better care to her aunt.
The AGS Foundation for Health in Aging Eldercare At Home - Caregiving

14

Take care of your own needs and feelings

Get help from others. Dont try to do everything yourself. If you do, caregiving can wear you out, increase your stress, and interfere with your ability to give good care at home. Learn about services that are available in your community. Support groups sponsored by hospitals and disease-related volunteer groups (such as Cancer or Alzheimers) can sometimes be very helpful. In addition, you should ask for help from family members and friends. Try to share tasks. For example, bills can be forwarded to a family member who live far away to relieve the caregiver of this monthly chore.

Charlotte asks her family and friends to help her care for her mother. She doesnt try to do everything herself. This helps her enjoy caregiving and to give her mother the best care.

The AGS Foundation for Health in Aging Eldercare At Home - Caregiving

15

Take care of your own needs and feelings Sometimes family caregivers withdraw from family and friends, especially as their work gets more difficult. They do this because they do not want others to see their problems or because they are so busy that they dont make time to be with others. Unfortunately, some very important things are lost when you see fewer and fewer people. You lose the stimulation of thinking about other peoples lives and you lose the suggestions and help which others can give. You might also forget that other people love and care about you and are willing to help when asked.

Pat is telling people that she does not want help. This is wrong. It makes her work harder and she thinks people dont care about her, which is not true.

Reach out to others and ask for their help


Make a list of people who can give companionship and support to you and the person you are caring for. Dont worry about how far away these people live, how busy they are, how long since youve talked to them, or even how well you know them. Make as long a list as you can to give you the most choices and practical help.

Judy makes a list of people who could help care for her mother. She also writes what they can do and how she can help them have a good time when helping.
16

The AGS Foundation for Health in Aging Eldercare At Home - Caregiving

Reach out to others and ask for their help Have a list of how people could help. Make your list specific - so the people you asked understand exactly what is needed. Then they will be able to budget their own time and be prepared to give the help you need. Go down your list and think how you could make a visit (or a phone call) pleasant and enjoyable for each person. Use these ideas when you invite them and when they visit or call. When you do this, visitors will want to come again and you will feel good about asking them to return.

Judy then calls the people on her list and asks them for help. She explains what they will do and how long it will take. She also makes sure that they will feel good about helping.

Develop strategies for dealing with strong feelings


It is natural to have strong feelings when giving care over a long period of time. Following is a list of strong feelings that caregivers often have and strategies for dealing with them if they become severe.

The AGS Foundation for Health in Aging Eldercare At Home - Caregiving

17

Feeling overwhelmed
Sometimes caregiving problems build up to the point where you feel overwhelmed. If this happens: Try not to make important decision while you are upset. Sometimes you have to make a decision immediately, but usually you dont have to. Ask how long before a decision really has to be made.

Roger feels that he cannot make a decision right away. So he sets a later date to make the decision. This gives him time to think about what he wants to do and he doesnt feel rushed into making decisions.

Take time to sort things out. It is important to take some time to let your thinking become clear again. Different people need different amounts of time for this to happen. Give yourself enough time to make plans and decisions with a clear mind and a more peaceful spirit. Claire feels upset at first. But she lets time pass until she doesnt feel upset. Then she can think clearly about her problem and develop a plan to solve the problem.

The AGS Foundation for Health in Aging Eldercare At Home - Caregiving

18

Talk over important problems with people who are feeling more objective. If you are feeling very upset or discouraged, then ask a friend, neighbor, or family member to help. They can bring a calmer perspective to the situation as well as new ideas and help in dealing with the problems you are facing. Sadie is talking to her friend Melonie about her problems. Melonie has given Sadie good advice in the past and she can see Sadies problems in new ways that helps Sadie think of new solutions.

Anger
There are plenty of reasons for you to become angry when you are giving care for a long period of time. For example, the older person may, at times, be demanding and irritating. Friends, family members, or professionals may not be as helpful or understanding as you would like. Some people feel angry because their lives have been turned upside down by taking on caregiving responsibilities. These feelings are normal! It is all right to feel this way at times. It is what you do with your anger that is important. The best way to deal with angry feelings is to recognize them, accept them, and find some way to express them appropriately.

The AGS Foundation for Health in Aging Eldercare At Home - Caregiving

19

Here are some ways that other caregivers have dealt with their anger:
Try to see the situation from the other persons point of view. Recognize that other people, including the person you are caring for, are also under stress. People react in different ways to stressful events in their lives.

Carol feels angry about what Cindy said to her. But then she pretends she is Cindy. This helps her understand why Cindy said what she did. Carol then feels better about what happened.

Express your anger in appropriate ways before it is out of control. If you wait, your anger may lead to actions and words that you may later regret. Anger that is out of control can cloud your judgment. At first Mary Lou felt a little bit angry. But the more she thought about it she got more and more angry until she was throwing dishes. This is wrong. She should have expressed her anger earlier when she wasnt so very mad. Then she would not do silly things like throwing dishes.
The AGS Foundation for Health in Aging Eldercare At Home - Caregiving

20

Here are some ways that other caregivers have dealt with their anger:
Find safe ways to express your anger. This can include such things as beating on a pillow, shouting by yourself, or doing some hard exercise. Sometimes it helps to ventilate anger with someone who is safe - who wont be offended or strike back. Get away from the situation for a while and try to cool off before you go back and deal with what made you angry.

Angela feels angry, but she gets rid of her anger in safe ways such as hitting a pillow, imagining herself yelling, doing exercises, and talking to a friend who is understanding.

Try not to feel guilty about your anger. Anger is a natural response to a difficult situation. Most other people would probably feel the same way if they were in your shoes.

Tyrone is blaming himself for being angry about his caregiving problems. But he is not to blame. Caregiving is hard and it is natural to feel angry sometimes.
The AGS Foundation for Health in Aging Eldercare At Home - Caregiving

21

Here are some ways that other caregivers have dealt with their anger:
Talk to someone about why you feel angry. Explaining to another person why you feel angry helps you to understand the reasons for your anger and why you reacted as you did.

Sally is talking to her friend Joyce about why she feels angry. Telling someone else about her feeling helps Sally to understand why she feels the way she does.

Talk to a counselor. It often helps to talk to someone removed from the situation who can provide support and an objective viewpoint about your problems.

Candice is talking to a counselor about her feelings. The counselor helps Candice understand why she feels the way she does and helps her think of ways to solve her problems

The AGS Foundation for Health in Aging Eldercare At Home - Caregiving

22

Loss and sadness


You may feel sad because the person you know and love has changed. Memories of how the older person used to be may make you sad. You may feel sad because of losing normal things you did before this illness and because of plans that may not be fulfilled. You may also feel burdened by the responsibilities you have to bear alone. Here are some things you can do when you have these feelings: Talk about your feelings of loss with other people who have had similar experiences. People who have been caregivers of older persons will usually understand how you feel. Support groups are one way to find people who have had similar experiences and who can understand and appreciate your feelings. Wilma is telling a friend about her feelings of sadness. Her friend felt the same way when she was a caregiver and this makes Wilma feel better about her own feelings.

The AGS Foundation for Health in Aging Eldercare At Home - Caregiving

23

Shame You may be embarrassed because the older person looks unusual or acts odd in front of others. You may not know how to explain this to other people and you may feel badly because you feel ashamed of your own family member. These feelings are normal and common. Its all right to have these feelings. There are several things you can do to deal with them. Talk about your feelings with someone else who has the same problems. That person will understand how you feel, and telling them about your problems will help put them into perspective.

Carol feels embarrassed about how her father looks and acts. She talks to her friend Shiela who says she felt the same way about her Uncle. This helps Carol understand her own feelings.

Remember that you have a right to go into public with your family. If other people are uncomfortable with how your family member looks, they can go elsewhere.

Cindy used to be embarrassed being with her grandfather in public. But then she realized that she has a right to go where she wants with her grandfather and, if that upsets other people, that is their problem, not hers.
The AGS Foundation for Health in Aging Eldercare At Home - Caregiving

24

Here are some ways that other caregivers have dealt with shame:
Develop a simple explanation for why the older person acts in a certain way. If someone asks, then you can give an explanation you are comfortable with.

When someone asks Millie about why her father acts the way he does, Millie explains that he likes to be different from other people. This explanation helps other people to be comfortable around her father.

Dont assume that everyone will be offended. Other caring people will notice good things about the older person and will be understanding and supportive.

Samantha thought other people would be upset by how her Uncle Phil behaved. But then she realized that most people were very understanding and wanted to be helpful to him.
The AGS Foundation for Health in Aging Eldercare At Home - Caregiving

25

Take small, gradual steps to become more comfortable with the older person in public. Start with people you know well and who are understanding. Invite them to visit and to be with you and the older person. As you become comfortable with friends, gradually go out in public.

First Marjorie took her Aunt Millie to see her friend Jane. Then she took her Aunt to meet several friends together. Later she and Aunt Millie went together to meet strangers. By meeting more people slowly, both she and her Aunt felt more and more comfortable being with new people.

Guilt
Many people caring for an older person at home feel guilty at some time during their caregiving. They may feel guilty because of not doing a better job of giving care. They may feel guilty because they feel angry or upset with the person they are caring for. Some people feel guilty almost out of habit. They have learned from childhood to feel guilty when something goes wrong. Although feeling guilty is understandable, it can interfere with doing the best possible job of caregiving. Guilt makes you think only about what you did wrong, while most problems have many causes and what you did is only part of the reason for the problem. To solve a problem, you have to look objectively at all of the causes and then develop plans to deal with the whole problem. Dwelling on guilt feelings will rob you of precious energy that you need to cope with new problems.

The AGS Foundation for Health in Aging Eldercare At Home - Caregiving

26

Here are some things you can do to deal with feelings of guilt: Talk to other people who have gone through similar experiences about what happened and how they felt. It is often easier to see a situation objectively when it happens to someone else, and this can give you perspective on your own problems.

Charlie felt guilty about what he said to his grandmother until he talked with Angie who said she also felt guilty about what she said to her aunt.. This helped Charlie see that his feelings were natural.

Dont expect yourself to be perfect. Expecting perfection in yourself can cause guilt to be a regular part of your life. It is helpful to remember that you are human, and therefore you will make mistakes from time to time.

Theona expects herself to be perfect. This is wrong. No one can be perfect and we have to accept ourselves as good people who sometimes make mistakes.

The AGS Foundation for Health in Aging Eldercare At Home - Caregiving

27

Here are another thing you can do to deal with feelings of guilt: Dont dwell on mistakes. Accept mistakes and get beyond them as best you can. Forgive yourself for your shortcomings.

Sonia thinks about her mistakes all the time. This is wrong. This stops her from solving her problems.

The AGS Foundation for Health in Aging Eldercare At Home - Caregiving

28

Carrying out and adjusting your plan


Mary and her mother are working together to carry out their plans

Problems you might have carrying out your plan


Problem: If I dont do it, it wont get done. Response: It may not - but is it essential? Sort out things that really need to be done. Its OK to let some things, like housework, slide a bit when you take on new responsibilities. Problem: I hate to ask other people to help me. Response: Start by asking for help with little things and notice how easy it is and how much people enjoy helping. If asking makes you very uncomfortable, then get someone else to ask for you. Problem: The person Im caring for doesnt want other people to help us. Response: Suggest trying outside help for just a short time and then you can both talk over how it worked. Also, explain that you need help. Problem: Im swamped with problems, so I dont have time to take care of my needs. Response: This is the most common reason why caregivers become exhausted. They become preoccupied with their caregiving problems and dont pay attention to themselves. You will be a better caregiver in the long run if you get help with caregiving so that you can do things that you enjoy and that you find relaxing. Think of other problems you might have carrying out your plan What other problems could get in the way of doing the things suggested in this handout? For example, will the person cooperate? Will other people help? How will you explain your needs to other people? Do you have the time and energy to carry out the plan?

The AGS Foundation for Health in Aging Eldercare At Home - Caregiving

29

Checking on progress

Start using the ideas in this handout now. Dont wait until you feel overwhelmed. It is easier to develop good caregiving habits and attitudes early before the problems get out of hand.

Veronica uses the ideas she learned in this booklet on caregiving right away. She should not wait until her problems are severe. It is easier and better to use the ideas before problems get out of hand. Every week or so take time to think about how you are doing as a caregiver. Re-read this booklet periodically to see if there are ideas here that can be of help.

What to do if your plan isnt working


Be realistic about what you expect of yourself. Dont expect to be perfect. Everyone makes mistakes. Most plans need to be adjusted and changed as the condition of the person you are caring for changes and your situation changes. If you cannot do the things that are essential for the person you are caring for, then consider getting help or moving him or her to an assisted living facility or nursing home.

The AGS Foundation for Health in Aging Eldercare At Home - Caregiving

30

Caregiving Summary
When to get professional help for yourself

You are feeling moderate to severe depression

You are feeling overwhelmed

You need information and guidance about nursing homes or other care settings

What you can do to be a supportive caregiver

Involve the older person in developing and carrying out care plans.

Be realistic and flexible about what you hope to communicate and agree on.

Suggest a trial run or a time limit when trying new ideas.

Explain your needs openly.


The AGS Foundation for Health in Aging Eldercare At Home - Caregiving

Choose your battles carefully.

Let the person you are caring for make decisions as much as possible. 31

Caregiving Summary
Work with health professionals

Be clear about what information you want.

Have all the information health professionals may need when you call.

Be firm and straightforward about getting the information and help you need.

Take care of your own needs and feelings

Schedule positive experiences for yourself.

Pay attention to your own positive experiences.

Be sure you get enough rest.

Get help from others.

Make a list of people who can give companionship and support. Think about how you could make a visit (or a phone call) pleasant and enjoyable for each person. Then call or talk to each of them.

The AGS Foundation for Health in Aging Eldercare At Home - Caregiving

32

Caregiving Summary

Dont withdraw from family and friends, especially as your work increases.

Develop strategies for dealing with strong feelings


Feeling overwhelmed

Try not to make important decision while you are upset.

Take time to sort things out.

Talk over important problems with people who are feeling more level-headed.

Anger

Try to see the situation from the other persons point of view.

Express your anger in appropriate ways before it is out of control.

Find safe ways to express your anger.

The AGS Foundation for Health in Aging Eldercare At Home - Caregiving

33

Caregiving Summary

Try not to feel guilty about your anger.

Talk to someone about why you feel angry.

Talk to a counselor.

Feelings of loss and sadness

Talk about your feelings of loss with other people who have had similar experiences.

Feelings of shame

Talk about your feelings with someone else who has the same problems.

Remember that you have a right to go into public with your family.

Develop a simple explanation for why the older person acts in a certain way. 34

The AGS Foundation for Health in Aging Eldercare At Home - Caregiving

Caregiving Summary

Dont assume that everyone will be offended.

Take small, steps to become more comfortable with the older person in public.

Feelings of guilt

Talk to other people who have had the same problems about what happened and how they

Dont expect yourself to be perfect.

Dont dwell on mistakes.

Carrying out and adjusting your plan

Start using the ideas in this booklet now. Dont wait until you feel overwhelmed.

The AGS Foundation for Health in Aging Eldercare At Home - Caregiving

35

The AGS Foundation for Health in Aging (FHA)


Established in 1999 by the American Geriatrics Society, the AGS Foundation for Health in Aging (FHA) builds a bridge between the research and practice of geriatrics health care professionals and the public. FHA advocates on behalf of older adults and their special needs: wellness and preventive care, self-responsibility and independence and connections to the family and community through self-responsibility and independence and connections to the family and community through public education, clinical research and public policy.

Eldercare At Home, Second Edition


Eldercare At Home is part of a comprehensive effort by the AGS Foundation for Health in Aging to provide support and guidance to those of you caring for older people at home. The FHA has created a series of Powerpoint slide presentations that cover each of the 27 chapters found in Eldercare At Home. Accompanying each slide presentation is a fully illustrated handout that can be used as handouts, or as stand-alone resources for caregivers who are dealing with only one or two issues. The major goal of this initiative is to make Eldercare at Home materials available to all caregivers. To this end, the plain text version (without illustrations) of Eldercare at Home is available free of charge online at www.healthinaging.org. Eldercare at Home Workbook is also available for purchase through the FHA. Each of the twenty-seven chapters in the Eldercare at Home books cover the most common problems that family caregivers face. The Eldercare at Home Workbook can be used just as you would a cookbook. Read a chapter before you start dealing with a specific problem just as you would read a recipe before beginning to cook. Reading the chapter allows you to understand the problem and take action before it becomes severe. Eldercare at Home can even help you to prevent some problems from happening. It offers you advice on developing care plans, which will give you a sense of purpose and hope in coping with the challenges of providing care. For more information on Eldercare at Home, or the AGS Foundation for Health in Aging, visit www.healthinaging.org, or call 1-800-563-4916.

The AGS Foundation for Health in Aging The Empire State Building 350 Fifth Avenue, Suite 801 New York, NY 10118 Phone: 1-800-563-4916 Fax: 212-832-8646
www.healthinaging.org

The AGS Foundation for Health in Aging Eldercare At Home - Caregiving

36

Vous aimerez peut-être aussi