MANAGING CARE( continued)
Expanding Your Support Network Beyond Healthcare
Begin to consider that your team is made up of everyone who has, or could potentially have, a part in helping make your lives as patient or caregiver better, fuller, or easier. This support system may include family members, friends, neighbors, an exercise teacher or trainer( for patient or carepartner), volunteers, clergy, a paid caregiver, and respite care. Your growing network may also consist of various kinds of groups, such as music, dance, or exercise classes; a support group; service or advocacy organizations; and religious affiliations.
As a carepartner, do not be afraid to ask for help. Many people want to help but may not know what you need or even how to approach the subject. Determine which obligations— whether in caregiving or in day-to-day life— you could comfortably relinquish. Then, make a plan to do just that. Write down the names of people who might assist you, and for which activity or task. It may take a while, or even be an ongoing endeavor, for you to coordinate this type of plan. But it will be well worth it.
Conclusion
Remember that your loved one’ s care and your own self-care are continuous and ongoing. Over time, you will integrate new professionals, friends, and volunteers into your lives. Some people may assume a lesser role; others, a greater role. Your support network is fluid yet a constant in your life.
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The Carepartner Plan: A Guide to Assessing and Prioritizing Your Needs
Diane Breslow, MSW, LCSW
It is likely that you, as a family caregiver, provide full-time or close-to-full-time help for your loved one. More than likely, you are involved in assisting your loved one with activities of daily living and medical tasks as well as maintaining a household; shopping and preparing meals; organizing records, documents, and appointments; transporting your loved one to health and rehabilitation; keeping up with social and family relationships; and many other tasks. You are likely providing this care in your home. At the same time, you may be working, raising children or grandchildren, or dealing with your own health or personal issues. Caregivers have an enormous, and often underappreciated, job.
Although the caregiver journey is unique for each individual caregiver, it carries common stresses, concerns, fears, and rewards. Research from the National Alliance for Caregiving shows that the top four caregiver concerns are: 1. Keeping your loved one safe 2. Managing your own stress 3. Finding activities that will engage the person with the illness 4. Carving out time for one’ s self