Caring for the caregiver

Often so much focus is on the patient that the vital role played by caregivers is overlooked. Playing the role of caregiver can be physically and emotionally taxing, especially if you are caring for someone you love.

It is important to remember to take care of yourself first otherwise you will be unable to take care of anyone else.

Dealing with patient emotions
Patients often target their anger and frustration towards the person caring for them. This can be hurtful. Remember that the patient is also dealing with his/her emotions, try to allow them to express themselves without being too combative or defensive.

Don’t feel guilty
Sometimes you feel as if the situation is too much for you to handle. You are constantly tired, you feel like giving up and become disinterested in the patient. This is normal and you should not feel guilty but rather get some assistance and take a break.

Talk to other people. Join a caregiver support group
Often the caregiver also has pent up feelings which need to be shared, issues to be discussed. Talking to people who are in a similar situation, even caring for a patient with a similar illness will help.

Delegate and ask for help
You can’t do everything. You can’t be there all the time. This does not mean that you do not care. Divide tasks amongst friends and family members to ease the burden of care.

Do not “over-care”
Encourage the patient’s independence, let them do things for themselves, if they can.

Take regular breaks
Do something that will recharge your batteries like watching television, visiting friends or working on a hobby.

Take precautions
Wash your hands, use gloves, have an effective process for dealing with medical waste. This is especially important if you are exposed to HIV, tuberculosis, open wounds or handling bodily fluids.

Look after yourself
Try to maintain exercise routines, medical check-ups, eat healthily, get enough rest and relax.

Take a moment to reflect
Dealing with illness and assisting someone who may be preparing for the end of life may affect your own spiritual needs. Find a way to channel these emotions. This may be through prayer and meditation or just talking to friends and family.

(Thania Gopal, Health24, April 2009)

Source: www.cancer.gov
www.hospicepalliativecaresa.co.za