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101 on Being a Caregiver

101 on Being a Caregiver

Published By Newly , 3 years ago

The role of a caregiver can be demanding. Family members who perform caregiving duties for their parents or elderly members are drawn into a cycle of performing tasks for the benefit of the elderly. This is the commitment to taking care of other people.

Caregiving is usually needed when some major health events take place. Family members immediately take responsibility for caring for their loved ones. And as one continues to take on such responsibility, it eventually becomes the new career and adjusting to it is now necessary.

 

Roles of a caregiver

The caregiver can be any member of the family. Regardless of the relationship of the caregiver to the person who needs care, it is always important to mention the title caregiver to every personal information list you will fill up. This could be helpful in identifying the proper resources needed for the role.

This surfaces a new realm of responsibilities to be taken on as well. Employment can be either full-time or part-time. Caregivers may also have other personal commitments. Moreover, caregivers may be tasked to look for social service systems, communicating with the doctors, and other related responsibilities while at the same time performing personal duties.

Training for caregiving is inadequate. This results in physical issues that would need physical therapists to deal with. Caregivers may also face communication problems especially with patients who are likely to need it.

Here are some of the ordinary tasks of a caregiver:

·         Act as a companion

·         Attend the necessary duties such as grocery, cooking, cleaning laundry

·         Assist the patient with their personal matters

·         Assist patients with their movements

·         Arrange appointments with the doctor and oversee the appointment

·         Be on call 24/7

·         Handle finances

Making a list of the things that caregivers perform is necessary to establish and make it clear how responsibilities should push through.

 

First steps for caregivers

·         Self-identification as a caregiver

·         Understand the correct diagnosis of the patient

·         Learn the necessary specific skills for caring

·         Discuss matters about finances

·         Complete legal paperwork

·         Connect with the family members of the patient about the service

·         Continuously update them with the situation

·         Identify resources for the service

·         Establish a personal support system

·         Remember that you are not alone

 

Caring for yourself as a caregiver

Dealing with the new role may entail a short-term crisis. Over a longer period of time, acquiring some necessary skills can be helpful. Caring for yourself is one thing in this process and here are some important reminders:

·         Acknowledge your imperfections

·         Recognise the importance of your emotions

·         Set realistic expectations

·         Learn about the disease of your patient

·         Learn some important skills for caregiving

·         Learn to say no

·         Be resilient

·         Identify your weaknesses and how you deal with it

·         Remember to eat right, exercise, and sleep properly.

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