Upload
laura-cohen
View
128
Download
2
Embed Size (px)
DESCRIPTION
Informative talk about self-care for caretakers of stroke survivors.
Citation preview
Caregivers: Understanding The Affects of Caring For A Loved One Who Has Survived A Stroke
Laura M. Cohen, B.A., Psychology ExternVA Miami Health Center
June 18, 2013
As the primary caregiver for a stroke survivor,
You are an important part of the recovery process.Potential Feelings Rewarding Challenging Overwhelming
Caregiver Role
In a survey of 1,480 caregivers, it was reported that:
On average, caregivers spend 20 hours per week providing care.
13 % of caregivers spend more than 40 hours a week caring for loved ones.
How Caregivers Fit Into The U.S. Healthcare System
Take care of someone who has a chronic illness Taking part in informed decision making and treatment
planning Coordinating appointments with healthcare
professionals Helping ensure that medications are refilled and taken
properly Helping with everyday tasks such as meal preparation,
bathing and toileting
What Does It Mean to Be A Caregiver?
Assisting with walking and transportation Monitoring survivor health Being aware of pain, dietary instructions,
depression or risk factors that may lead to a second stroke
Managing financial or legal and end-of-life matters Providing encouragement and support for your
loved one and family members Supporting survivor independence
What Does It Mean to Be A Caregiver?
Behavior
Depression & Anger
Emotional Liability
One-sided Neglect
Memory Loss
Communication Problems
Lifestyle Changes for Survivors and Caregivers
A person’s “role” or place in the family helps define who they are.
When a stroke happens, roles may no longer fit.
Types of Roles Spouse Parent
Changes in Relationships
Find new roles and things that your loved one can do This will boost confidence.
Encourage your loved one to do as much as possible Help when you need to. Avoid being too protective.
Be patient The stroke can make it hard to do simple tasks.
What Is You Loved One’s New Role In The Family?
Help your loved one relearn skills in small steps Start with easy tasks. Slowly, add new skills.
Have a daily routine Allow short, frequent times in the day to
practice skills.
What Is You Loved One’s New Role In The Family?
Remember that your loved one is facing a lot of changes
Realize that your loved one will always be your parent
Let your loved one make as many choices as possible
Be direct and firm if your loved one’s health or safety is an issue
Tips for Changing Relationships
Caregivers may feel more stress than the general population
Twice as likely to become depressed and frequently experience sleep deprivation.
Less likely to seek treatment for these conditions.
Keep this in mind: Caring for yourself is just as important as caring for your loved one.
Caregiver Stress & Depression
Sadness or an “empty” mood Feeling guilty, worthless or helpless Problems concentrating, remembering or
making decisions Change in eating habits and/or weight
changes Feeling hopeless Lack of energy or feeling tired and “slowed
down”
Signs of Depression
Problems with sleep, such as trouble getting to sleep, staying asleep or sleeping too much
Easily angered or irritable Wanting to be alone or spending much time
alone Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and
activities, including sex, that were once enjoyed
Signs of Depression
If you have thoughts of killing yourself:Get help right away!
Call 9-1-1 or your healthcare provider. This is a serious problem.
RED FLAG: Suicidal Thoughts
Medicines, such as anti-depressants are almost always helpful.
Psychotherapy (talk therapy) is used along with medicines. Talk therapy gives you a safe place to talk about your feelings.
Support groups provide a place to share your feelings with other caregivers.
Other caregivers understand what you are going through. They can help you find solutions to your problems.
Treatments to Discuss with Healthcare Team
Taking care of yourself will make you a better caregiver.
Put taking care of yourself at the top of your list
Ask for help Find time for yourself Laugh and have fun
Caregiver Self-Care
10 Tips for Caregivers: How to Cope
1. Accept that you cannot do this alone
2. Educate yourself3. Allow yourself to
grieve4. Learn to relax5. Eat Well
6. Stay Active7. Have Fun!8. Stay Social9. Get Support from
Group10.Take things one
day at a time
Questions???
Special Thanks to –Dr. Diane Polakoff, Psy.
D.
Family Caregiver Alliance. (1999). Work and eldercare. Retrieved October 23, 2008, from http://caregiver.org/caregiver/jsp/content_node.jsp?nodeid=413*
National Stroke Association (2012). Cregivers and Stroke: Caregivers Guide. Retrieved June 13, 2013 from: http://www.stroke.org/site/PageServer?pagename=careliving_guide#cg
Pandya, S.M. (2005). Caregiving in the United States. AARP Public Policy Institute. Retrieved October 23, 2008, from http://www.aarp.org/relationships/caregiving/info-2004/us_caregiving.html*
Uphold, C.R., Hanjian, J.M., Wing, K.L., Findley, K.E., & Knauff, L. (2011). Resources & Education for Stroke Caregivers' Understanding & Empowerment (RESCUE). Web-Based Informational Materials for Caregivers of Veterans Post-Stroke. Retrieved June 13, 2013, from: http://www.rorc.research.va.gov/rescue/index.cfm
Wilken, C.S. (2006). Balancing work and caregiving: A guide for employers. University of Florida IFAS Extension. Retrieved October 23, 2008, from http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/FY873*;
References