CARING FOR THE CAREGIVER

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When a caregiver operates on little sleep
and seldom receives backup, burnout results.

The burnout can cause a double problem

because then two people need care.
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.The number of caregivers worldwide

has reached an all time high.

According to a 2008 report by the Fisher

Center Alzheimer's Research Foundation,

there were, at that time, approximately a

million caregivers just for those with

Alzheimer's disease. That doesn't include

caregivers for any other illnesses.

Baby Boomers are inching into senior

citizen territory as well as retirement

(self-imposed or otherwise). Not only

are many of them, caring for parents

buta rising number are in need

of care themselves.

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The scenario demonstrated by flight

attendants for decades is just as true

with caregiving: The able bodied need to

first put on their oxygen masks, literally

or figuratively, then help others.

In order to give the best care, it is

optimal if the caregiver is in a good place

emotionally, physically, and mentally.

Caregiving responsibilities carry with

them built in challenges.

With help, caregivers can be

even more productive taking care

of those who depend on them.

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Respite can be found in a number of

places such as volunteer organizations,

family, friends, churches and spiritual

groups, and senior centers.

Some groups offer weekend respite,

allowing the caregiver to take a mini

vacation away from the caregiving site.

Even just a few hours away can work

wonders to calm a caregiver's mind,

making it possible to return to the job at

hand with a fresh outlook.

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Little things mean so much.

Caregivers are often so busy with the

people in their charge that they forget

to slow down and reward themselves

occasionally. Taking a minute to say

"Thank You" to a caregiver can light up

a day. Dropping by with coffee and

muffins is one way to start off a

caregiver's day on the right foot.

Perhaps neighbors can collaborate

and alternate making supper for the

caregiver and family once a week or

making a few days' supply to be

frozen for later use. Stopping by to

clean a bathroom or do a few loads

of laundry are some ways to help out

that don't cost any money but can be

invaluable to a person who has his

or her hands full with caring for

someone else on a full-time basis.

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Kathleen Klein

caringfortheaged.suite101.com

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