Being a Caregiver
Who are caregivers?
Chances are you are, or will become, a caregiver. Caregivers are individuals who provide care and assistance to family members or friends; likely loved ones who need support because of age, health conditions, injury, long-term illness or disability. They provide hands-on care, emotional support and often act as a patient advocate. Caregivers handle a range of responsibilities from driving or housework to making medical appointments, helping someone dress, bathe or administer their medicine. They are the designated 'on-call' person for problems. They are unpaid.
What kind of caregiver are you? You don't need to become a 'label,' but you might want to identify with a certain group of caregivers.
I am caring for my spouse/partner |
Caring for a spouse or partner can change your relationship as well as your future plans as a couple. Many issues may arise that are unique to spousal/partner caregivers. First, the emotional roller coaster of the diagnosis, injury, and future health and disability of your spouse/partner may be overwhelming. How do I deal with the emotional side of caregiving along the journey?
Second, many spousal/partner caregivers state that they do not identify as a caregiver. "She is my wife – I am her husband." Often the spousal relationship is more about give and take. However, when the tasks that used to be done by your spouse/partner are no longer possible, whether that is meal preparation, grooming, driving, or household finances, it may be time to start looking at what support you need to provide the care. It is also important to recognize everyone's changing roles and contributions in the relationship. How does the give and take continue?
Finally, sexual intimacy is one of the more difficult issues of spousal caregiving. How do caregiving and the disability change your relationship? It is important throughout the caregiving journey to address these issues.
While these issues may be unique to spousal/partner caregivers, other issues are similar. You are not alone! The Caregiver Connect Guide provides more information and support for those of you caring for your spouse or partner.
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Caring for a child, whether born with the disability/illness or acquired during childhood, changes your expectations as a parent. Many parents can talk of the joy and sorrow of raising a child with a disability or illness - the joy of the growing relationship between parent and child and the sorrow of dealing with reactions of others to your child.
Many issues may arise that are unique to parents caring for a child with a disability or illness. First, the emotional roller coaster of the diagnosis, injury, and future health and disability of your child may be overwhelming. How do I deal with the emotional side of caregiving along the journey?
Second, many parents identify as parents first and not as a 'caregiver.' "She is my daughter – I am her mother." While parenting is about caring for your child, a parent of a child with a disability or illness sometimes means more reliance on the parents beyond what other parents of children without a disability may experience. Working with the health system, school system and community may take more time and investment on your part, as the parent of a child with a disability or illness. Some questions you may have are, "How do I respond to other reactions to my child? What happens to my child when they turn 18? How do I work with all the different players in my child's life?
How does my child's disability impact other members of the family?"
While these issues may be unique to parents of children with disability or illness, other issues are similar to all caregivers. You are not alone! The Caregiver Connect Guide provides more information and support for those of you caring for your child.
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I am caring for my parent(s) |
Caring for a parent or parents can change the relationship within your family – emotionally, financially, physically, and socially. You may be a daughter, watching your parents caring for each other through a health crisis. You may be a young caregiver (www.youngcarers.ca) caring for your parent with a mental health problem or addictions. You may be a son anticipating caring for your father after your mother has died. You may be part of a network of siblings spread across the country working together to care for your parents.
Many issues may arise that are unique to children caring for their parents. While not necessarily part of your relationship up until now, it is important to talk about how the health of your parent concerns you and how you can help out. How your relationship evolves is important to the health and well-being of your parent. Talk and listen to your parents about expectations of each other. Their independence may be very important to them. Find out what resources are available to them in their community.
While there are issues that may be unique to you as a caregiver to your parent, other issues are similar to all caregivers. You are not alone! The Caregiver Connect Guide provides more information and support for those of you caring for your parent(s).
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Caring for a friend is a relationship that can be rewarding and draining. Finding balance is important to your relationship. You may have recently found out your best friend has been diagnosed with cancer or your neighbour has recently fallen and broken her leg. While you may not be the primary caregiver, you wish to help out as much as possible. How do you offer help? How do you know what to say?
While these questions may arise for you, they are similar to all people who want to help others in their circle of support. You are not alone! The Caregiver Connect Guide provides more information and support for those of you caring for your friend.
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I am caring for an older adult |
Caring for an older adult can bring new meaning to your relationship. You may be a granddaughter, niece, nephew, or neighbour who is called upon to help out an older adult in your circle. While caregiving may not be part of your relationship, up until now, how do you approach the care? How do you offer help? How do you know what to say?
While these questions may arise for you, they are similar to all people who want to help others in their circle of support. You are not alone! The Caregiver Connect Guide provides more information and support for those of you caring for an older adult.
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Many of us know caregivers within our circle of support. You may have had friends, coworkers, or neighbours offer help when you were a caregiver and you want to return the favour. You see your friend struggling with some parts of the care and you want to help out. How do you offer help? How do you know what to say?
While these questions may arise for you, they are similar to all people who want to help others in their circle of support. Talk to your friend about their needs, read about caregiving, and offer support and encouragement. You are not alone! The Caregiver Connect Guide provides more information and support for those of you supporting a caregiver.
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