Onehealthpro

SUPPORT GROUPS

We can assist family caregivers by providing support group information.  Friends and family want to be supportive during times of crisis, but some relationships are not able to withstand the stress associated with caregiving.  The experts at problem solving and understanding the caregiver experience are other caregivers.  The healing benefit of participating in a support group cannot be overstated.  Caregivers can provide one another the encouragement and insights necessary to manage challenging situations one day at a time.      

A RESOURCE TO SHARE WITH PATIENTS

Since March is National Family Caregivers Month, I wanted to share a valuable resource that can benefit patients and professionals.  Take a look at www.nfcacares.org  This is the website for the National Family Caregivers Association.  The site will help professionals remember why they chose health care careers. Patients and family members will find valuable tools like tips for caregivers, including questions to ask health care providers.

CARE FOR THE CAREGIVERS

March is National Family Caregiver Month.  And statistics reveal caregivers need help.  The National Association of Social Workers and the New York Academy of Medicine highlighted the stress experienced by women in the sandwich generation.  The sandwich generation women, aged 35-54, with at least one living parent have stress levels that exceed those of the general population.  The research indicated sandwich generation women are concerned about rising health care costs and worried they aren't spending enough time with their aging relative.  What can we do to assist caregivers as they provide tender loving care to an aging relative?  First, help caregivers recognize the importance of maintaining their health.  Good nutrition, exercise and relaxation are essential activities for caregivers.  Encourage caregivers to purchase a 15 month calendar that includes not only medical appointments for their loved one, but relaxation appointments for the caregiver.  Help the caregiver create a realistic plan for time away from caregiving responsibilities.  Caregiving is not a sprint; it's a marathon.  Most people expect their caregiving role will last about two years, but the average length of time a caregiver will provide assistance is eight years.