Family Caregiving

4. A lot of times, people don�t realize that they are caregivers. But many people are actually doing acts of caregiving without thinking about it. By definition, family caregiving includes caring for dependent people like children, but the focus of this PowerPoint will be centered on elderly adults. -A caregiver is anyone who helps an older person with household chores, errands, personal care, or finances. Caregiving is a multi-dimensional puzzle. It is not a simple one-size fits all. For some, it may involve providing 24-hour care for loved ones, helping them with everything from bathroom to feeding needs. Others, may just helped loved ones with managing their finances. Or it may be more emotional as a family members is diagnosed with a condition (such as Alzheimer's) and hasn�t started to display symptoms quite yet. Caregiving can be a very rewarding experience. Taking care of a loved one means a lot to the person one is caring for. It can bring a sense of accomplishment, knowing that you are helping out your family, satisfaction in taking care of someone who cared for you, and promoting a loved one�s sense of independence. About � of caregivers report appreciating life more as a result of caring for another person. However, family caregiving can also be a big commitment. It�s easy to forget to care for you own needs and loose interest and time in being able to pursue hobbies. We�ll talk a little more about the stresses of caregiving in a little bit. A lot of times, people don�t realize that they are caregivers. But many people are actually doing acts of caregiving without thinking about it. By definition, family caregiving includes caring for dependent people like children, but the focus of this PowerPoint will be centered on elderly adults. -A caregiver is anyone who helps an older person with household chores, errands, personal care, or finances. Caregiving is a multi-dimensional puzzle. It is not a simple one-size fits all. For some, it may involve providing 24-hour care for loved ones, helping them with everything from bathroom to feeding needs. Others, may just helped loved ones with managing their finances. Or it may be more emotional as a family members is diagnosed with a condition (such as Alzheimer's) and hasn�t started to display symptoms quite yet. Caregiving can be a very rewarding experience. Taking care of a loved one means a lot to the person one is caring for. It can bring a sense of accomplishment, knowing that you are helping out your family, satisfaction in taking care of someone who cared for you, and promoting a loved one�s sense of independence. About � of caregivers report appreciating life more as a result of caring for another person. However, family caregiving can also be a big commitment. It�s easy to forget to care for you own needs and loose interest and time in being able to pursue hobbies. We�ll talk a little more about the stresses of caregiving in a little bit.

5. Throughout the Bible there are verses about caring for family members and neighbors. Here are some�1 Timothy 5:4�(New International Version) But if a widow has children or grandchildren, these should learn first of all to put their religion into practice by caring for their own family and so repaying their parents and grandparents, for this is pleasing to God. Treat others as you want them to treat you. This is what the Law and the Prophets are all about. Is this any way to show respect to your parents? You ignore God's commands in order to follow your own teaching. The man replied, "The Scriptures say, `Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, strength, and mind.' They also say, `Love your neighbors as much as you love yourself.' Throughout the Bible there are verses about caring for family members and neighbors. Here are some�1 Timothy 5:4�(New International Version) But if a widow has children or grandchildren, these should learn first of all to put their religion into practice by caring for their own family and so repaying their parents and grandparents, for this is pleasing to God. Treat others as you want them to treat you. This is what the Law and the Prophets are all about. Is this any way to show respect to your parents? You ignore God's commands in order to follow your own teaching. The man replied, "The Scriptures say, `Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, strength, and mind.' They also say, `Love your neighbors as much as you love yourself.'

6. Caregivers may often feel the phrase that �you are not alone� but may not realize how true this statement actually is. A study by the National Alliance for Caregiving and AARP found that 44.4 million Americans age 18 or older are providing unpaid care to an adult. Many caregivers fulfill multiple roles. Most caregivers are married or living with a partner (62%), and most have worked and managed caregiving responsibilities at the same time (74%). The typical caregiver is a 46-year-old Baby Boomer woman with some college education who works and spends more than 20 hours per week caring for her mother who lives nearby. Caregivers may often feel the phrase that �you are not alone� but may not realize how true this statement actually is. A study by the National Alliance for Caregiving and AARP found that 44.4 million Americans age 18 or older are providing unpaid care to an adult. Many caregivers fulfill multiple roles. Most caregivers are married or living with a partner (62%), and most have worked and managed caregiving responsibilities at the same time (74%). The typical caregiver is a 46-year-old Baby Boomer woman with some college education who works and spends more than 20 hours per week caring for her mother who lives nearby.

8. Here are the stages of caregiving as identified by a family caregiving website starting with the beginning of the caregiving process in realizing a family member may need help soon and ending with stage six where your assistance in no longer needed (this may be because of death, a family member moving to a care facility, improved health, etc) How much time one spends in each of these stages really differs between families. The website that outlines these stages, allows viewers to look more specifically at each of these stages. We�ll go through an example of this later. Here are the stages of caregiving as identified by a family caregiving website starting with the beginning of the caregiving process in realizing a family member may need help soon and ending with stage six where your assistance in no longer needed (this may be because of death, a family member moving to a care facility, improved health, etc) How much time one spends in each of these stages really differs between families. The website that outlines these stages, allows viewers to look more specifically at each of these stages. We�ll go through an example of this later.

10. Caregiver stress if emotional or physical stress one feels as a result of caregiving. Examples of when a caregiver may feel stress could be when they have to constantly have to repeat information to a loved one who has Alzheimers, or when you feel lonely because all your free time is spent caring for a loved one instead o having a social life., or when you feel guilty because you feel like you should be able to provide better care, even though you have many other commitments. Some caregivers also experience health problems as a result of caregiving, such as the increased likelihood of depression and anxiety. Caregiver stress if emotional or physical stress one feels as a result of caregiving. Examples of when a caregiver may feel stress could be when they have to constantly have to repeat information to a loved one who has Alzheimers, or when you feel lonely because all your free time is spent caring for a loved one instead o having a social life., or when you feel guilty because you feel like you should be able to provide better care, even though you have many other commitments. Some caregivers also experience health problems as a result of caregiving, such as the increased likelihood of depression and anxiety.

11. Here are some signs and symptoms to know if caregiving is putting you under too much stress. It�s important to prevent or relieve stress effectively---not only for your well-being but for the person you are caring for as well. Here are some signs and symptoms to know if caregiving is putting you under too much stress. It�s important to prevent or relieve stress effectively---not only for your well-being but for the person you are caring for as well.

12. Here is an example of a situation where a caregiver became stressed and ended up being physically violent as a result of feeling stressed. Agnes, 85 years old, lost her husband last year. Because of her own problems with arthritis and congestive heart failure, Agnes moved in with her 55-year-old daughter, Emily. The situation is difficult for all of them. Sometimes Emily feels as if she�s at the end of her rope, caring for her mother, worrying about her college-age son and about her husband, who is about to be forced into early retirement. Emily has caught herself calling her mother names and accusing her mother of ruining her life. Recently, she lost her temper and slapped her mother. In addition to feeling frightened and isolated, Agnes feels trapped and worthless. Here is an example of a situation where a caregiver became stressed and ended up being physically violent as a result of feeling stressed. Agnes, 85 years old, lost her husband last year. Because of her own problems with arthritis and congestive heart failure, Agnes moved in with her 55-year-old daughter, Emily. The situation is difficult for all of them. Sometimes Emily feels as if she�s at the end of her rope, caring for her mother, worrying about her college-age son and about her husband, who is about to be forced into early retirement. Emily has caught herself calling her mother names and accusing her mother of ruining her life. Recently, she lost her temper and slapped her mother. In addition to feeling frightened and isolated, Agnes feels trapped and worthless.

13. Here are just a few of the many suggestions on how to prevent and relieve stress from caregiving. Seek out information on caregiving from sources such as talking to doctors, check out books from the library, look at websites on caregiving to remind yourself that you aren�t alone and to find useful information for any problems you are dealing with. It�also important to ask for help and accept help if it is offered to you. While this may be difficult to do, it is crucial in managing stress levels. If there are people that are willing to help, make a list of all the things you need help with to divvy up to people. If caring for a loved one is costing you money, ask other family members for assistance. Another suggestion is to stay in touch with family/friends---even if it just means making a quick five minute phone call. Trying to establish a daily routine and making a to-do list can also prevent stress and make caregiving seem more manageable. It�s important to talk about what you are feeling to family and friends. Research shows that keeping feelings bottled up inside is bad for your immune system A final suggestion is to make time each week for yourself. It helps if it about the same time each week to ensure that time for yourself happens, but if this isn�t possible try to sit down at the beginning of the week and plan time to spend in an activity that you enjoyHere are just a few of the many suggestions on how to prevent and relieve stress from caregiving. Seek out information on caregiving from sources such as talking to doctors, check out books from the library, look at websites on caregiving to remind yourself that you aren�t alone and to find useful information for any problems you are dealing with. It�also important to ask for help and accept help if it is offered to you. While this may be difficult to do, it is crucial in managing stress levels. If there are people that are willing to help, make a list of all the things you need help with to divvy up to people. If caring for a loved one is costing you money, ask other family members for assistance. Another suggestion is to stay in touch with family/friends---even if it just means making a quick five minute phone call. Trying to establish a daily routine and making a to-do list can also prevent stress and make caregiving seem more manageable. It�s important to talk about what you are feeling to family and friends. Research shows that keeping feelings bottled up inside is bad for your immune system A final suggestion is to make time each week for yourself. It helps if it about the same time each week to ensure that time for yourself happens, but if this isn�t possible try to sit down at the beginning of the week and plan time to spend in an activity that you enjoy

14. Guilt is a difficult part of caregiving and can cause a lot of stress. Guilt is common throughout the stages of caregiving. It can happen after loved ones have past-thinking you could have done something better or while you are caregiving thinking that you wish you didn�t have to care for your loved one. Here are just some different examples of when people feel guilty when helping a loved one�Guilt is a difficult part of caregiving and can cause a lot of stress. Guilt is common throughout the stages of caregiving. It can happen after loved ones have past-thinking you could have done something better or while you are caregiving thinking that you wish you didn�t have to care for your loved one. Here are just some different examples of when people feel guilty when helping a loved one�

15. One method that I found to handle guilt was called �Good Enough Caregiving.� This means that you remember why you started caring for your loved one in the first place. Because they need you. They need someone who loves them and who is�dedicated to making sure they�re cared for It means that you self-correct. When you make a mistake, make a mental note on how to handle the situation better the next time. It means you say you�re sorry, and you don�t beat yourself up all night. It also means that you forgive easily.�Even if the person you are caring for or other health professionals don�t apologize. It means you can step back and look at the big picture and accept the imperfectness in yourself, in others. You�re okay with all that life has handed you�even the less-than-great-parts.One method that I found to handle guilt was called �Good Enough Caregiving.� This means that you remember why you started caring for your loved one in the first place. Because they need you. They need someone who loves them and who is�dedicated to making sure they�re cared for It means that you self-correct. When you make a mistake, make a mental note on how to handle the situation better the next time. It means you say you�re sorry, and you don�t beat yourself up all night. It also means that you forgive easily.�Even if the person you are caring for or other health professionals don�t apologize. It means you can step back and look at the big picture and accept the imperfectness in yourself, in others. You�re okay with all that life has handed you�even the less-than-great-parts.

17. It�s important to believe in yourself as a caregiver. No one is perfect and you need to accept that there is no such thing as a perfect caregiver. Do the best you can and feel good about what you are able to do. Recognize your strengths and realize you have limitations. Also, we kind of went over this earlier, but your own health and protecting it is crucial. Putting your health is easy to put of the backburner when you are caring for someone else. However, one of the best presents you can give to your loved one is keeping yourself in good health. It�s vital in order to continue to be a caregiver. So this means caring for yourself, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Asking for help is often difficult and some see it as a weakness. However, asking for help is more of a strength as it is acknowledging that the situation is difficult and is putting pride aside for the best interest of you and your loved one. Finally, claim your rights. It is easy to ignore yourself and the rights you have as a human-being. For many caregivers, claiming one�s own rights can cause guilt. It�s important to stand up for yourself and not feel guilty for it. It�s important to believe in yourself as a caregiver. No one is perfect and you need to accept that there is no such thing as a perfect caregiver. Do the best you can and feel good about what you are able to do. Recognize your strengths and realize you have limitations. Also, we kind of went over this earlier, but your own health and protecting it is crucial. Putting your health is easy to put of the backburner when you are caring for someone else. However, one of the best presents you can give to your loved one is keeping yourself in good health. It�s vital in order to continue to be a caregiver. So this means caring for yourself, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Asking for help is often difficult and some see it as a weakness. However, asking for help is more of a strength as it is acknowledging that the situation is difficult and is putting pride aside for the best interest of you and your loved one. Finally, claim your rights. It is easy to ignore yourself and the rights you have as a human-being. For many caregivers, claiming one�s own rights can cause guilt. It�s important to stand up for yourself and not feel guilty for it.

19. One resource that can help with a variety of needs is Iowa�s Area Agencies on Aging. There is an agency for all 99 counties with a total of 16 different agencies. They can help with a variety of needs but some included are adult day services, health-care aides, respite care, employment services, home-delievered meals, home repairs, legal assistance, transportation. If you would go to the website above, click on your county, you will be given contact information on how to get in touch with the agency in your area. One resource that can help with a variety of needs is Iowa�s Area Agencies on Aging. There is an agency for all 99 counties with a total of 16 different agencies. They can help with a variety of needs but some included are adult day services, health-care aides, respite care, employment services, home-delievered meals, home repairs, legal assistance, transportation. If you would go to the website above, click on your county, you will be given contact information on how to get in touch with the agency in your area.

20. Familycaregiving101 offers information on the stages of caregiving, tips on how to manage during stressful times, and resources to find help you need. Family Caregiving offers tips for caregivers on basic safety tips, information on medication giving, what to do in an emergency, and other safety information. Caregiver.org gives information on research and public policy on family caregiving, fact sheets, and tips for caregiving. Familycaregiving101 offers information on the stages of caregiving, tips on how to manage during stressful times, and resources to find help you need. Family Caregiving offers tips for caregivers on basic safety tips, information on medication giving, what to do in an emergency, and other safety information. Caregiver.org gives information on research and public policy on family caregiving, fact sheets, and tips for caregiving.

21. Long Distance: a thorough 25 page guide focusing solely on long distance caregiving. C Compassionate Caregiving offers a biblical perspective on caregiving and provides encouragement for caregivers. Also offers some information on caregiving including basic tips, long-distance caregiving, dealing with the dying process, and other informationLong Distance: a thorough 25 page guide focusing solely on long distance caregiving. C Compassionate Caregiving offers a biblical perspective on caregiving and provides encouragement for caregivers. Also offers some information on caregiving including basic tips, long-distance caregiving, dealing with the dying process, and other information