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A Caregiver's Insights We never know if we may be thrust us into the role of Caregiver. Whether you are a caregiver, or know someone who is, this article is for everyone!
Being the caregiver of a
TBI (traumatic brain injury) survivor for more than ten years and meeting
serveral others in much the same situation has shown that each one, albeit
the handicapping condition, is unique. However, it would appear there
are shared dilemmas and common concerns. It is well-known and marvelous
that modern medical advances have made it possible for many more people to
survive debilitating health conditions and, or, traumatic injuries. Hopefully, all
of society's interest in this segment of its community will keep pace so that the
lifestyles of caregivers and their charges can maintain a level of comfort and
productivity. To promote awareness and help to educate a list of suggesstions follow: 1. Caregivers have an overwhelming
sense of responsiblity. 2. Caregivers often feel
isolated because other aspects of life have to be reprioritzed. Letters,
gifts, engagements and even phone calls get put on the back burner as the
caregiver runs out of time or energy. Sometimes it might even be a lack
of funds.. 3. Caregivers have difficutly dealing with the legal affairs, making the appointments, and and then transporting their charges to the necessary places. Especially, working people with jobs and homes to maintain find these things hard to maintain. 4. Caregivers try to keep life as normal as possible for their charges and all other people involved. 5. Caregivers become exhausted and burned out. 6. At times caregivers have a
hard time recognizing the situation as it really is and may make it better or
worse than actuality. This article would not be complete without some suggested ways to help. Here are a few: 1. Offer transportation or phone support. Persistence may be necessary as most 2. Find out where caregivers are and offer to be a listener. Often caregivers feel they have worn out all their listeners. 3. Help to connect caregivers with the resources they need. Help them find places for legal assistance, aid with housing, transportation options, and even recreational facilities. 4. Write cards or notes from time to time. They are an overwhelming source of support and comfort. 5. Be a friend to the
disadvantaged person. More than anything, this section of society needs
companionship. 1. Care for yourself in whatever way is necessary. Learn to read yourself for signs of stress and then do something. Suggested options see a counselor or clergymand. Take a weekend of by hiring someone to stay with your charge or arranging for him/her to stay over with someone. Ask someone for specific help. It is hard to know the need unless it is spelled out. 3. Cultivate a love relationship with your charge......yesterday we did something that was simple, not costly, and so much fun. We went and sat outside the park in the shade and had lunch. Simple, but fun. 4. Joke with each other and laugh. 5. Consistently strive to get routines established. 6. Reach out everywhere and listen to everything. Listens to all and then sort out. 7. Let your family and your community help you. Especially, let your family help. They need to be part of it.. 8. Learn to trust one or two good friends who will be there through any circumstances. 9. Help your charge maintain
his/her personhood. Allow for as much independence as
possible.......promote it. The last point needs its own
paragraph. A spiritual orientation seems reeminent. Without a higher power the struggles might be overwhelning and the whole experience fruitless and depressing. Learning to trust someone greater than ourselves allows for extraordinary spiritual development. On a personal note, I would never have sought for God at this level of need previous to our situation. I would never have found Him with the same intensity. The same is also true for my charge. | ||
