Although, being a caregiver can be a rewarding experience, burnout is common if caregivers are not supported as well. Caregiving is often a 24-hour job that can take its toll in years to come.
Caring and supporting their client can begin to overshadow the caregiver’s own needs. On a practical level, their day maybe filled with tasks such as assisting with daily activities including eating, bathing, etc., managing medications, attending health or medical appointments, and so on. This may leave little to no time for taking care of themselves.
Asking appropriate questions can help bring up the topic of caregiver stress and promote discussion. Some of these include:
- How would you describe your quality of life?
- What do you do for fun?
- Are there specific tasks such as getting groceries or paying bills that you need help with?
- Who gives you help when you need it?
- Does your doctor know about your caregiving role?
There are many ways to help if any concerns arise. Some options include directly helping the caregiver or informing family, friends, neighbours or the caregiver’s doctor. Take advantage of online resources and remember to let the caregiver know they don’t have to suffer in silence.
Online resources:
Carers Australia – http://www.carersaustralia.com.au
Carers Queensland – http://carersqld.asn.au
Young Carers – http://www.youngcarers.net.au
Australian Government, Department of Human Service – http://www.humanservices.gov.au/customer/themes/carers
www.carepassport.com.au – an online support set up for carers
My Rehab Team offers a wide range of mobile services including physiotherapy, podiatry, speech pathology, exercises physiology, occupational therapy and a rehabilitation/health coach. Contact us on 1300MYREHABTEAM (1300 469 794) or at info@myrehabteam.com.au.
References:
Univadis (2014) [Online] Available at: http://www.univadis.co.uk/patient-resource-center/245/Caregiver-Support (Accessed 15th of May)
Image courtesy of marin FreeDigitalPhotos.com.net available on: FreeDigitalPhotos.net [Online] (Accessed 16th of May, 2015)
