I’m in Australia & the local council offered me support as a caregiver when I was arranging in-home support for my Mum. I cried when the council worker said, ‘We need family carers so you need as much support as we can offer.” Too often society wants family members to not just provide care for vulnerable elders, but to do it willingly, even joyfully and above all, invisibly.
I had a mixed experience. There were a few people who not only didn't help, but were dismissive of and inconsiderate to me. Fortunately, many of the people who workd with my dad (cancer) and my husband (ALS/Lou Gehrig's Disease) did often reach out to me with expressions of concern and compassion. When my dad was in the VA Hospice, the team took me aside to see how they could support me because they were concerned that I was traveling about 5 hours/day to visit while I had my husband with ALS at home. They always asked how they could help me figure out how to get extra help and just to check on how I was doing. My husband was treated by an ALS team and the social worker was always available to me- I actually met with her a couple of times, and she did offer some resources. The visiting nurses team also worked closely with me, providing the emotional support that they could. A lot of it came down to finances, which they couldn't exactly solve, but their compassion and reaching out to me, put me in touch with my own feelings and considering myself.
This is so beautiful and touching, Abby. I love how the hospice team took the time to know you so knew about your other worries and responsibilities. You remind me that when other resources (like help with money) isn't available, kindness and compassion can feel like we've received an invaluable gift.
Hi Denise, this is so so true in my case as well - sadly!!! There is a group of professors, caregivers and care provider admins who came together at the University of Alberta to create a free online training suite of modules for health care professionals - and it's all about caregiver-centred care! Have a look https://caregivercare.ca/ Donna
I remember the rush of relief when I knew there was a name for the complex array of tasks and emotions that flooded in and consumed my life as Mom & Dad declined, when I first realized I was a CAREGIVER and support was available.
It's sooo good to see you, Mary! it is a relief when we realize we can access support and help. It's also a relief when we realize this is really hard, that it's not us making it hard. It really is this complicated and complex.
I'm sorry to hear this! I feel very fortunate with the help I've received. from the rehab facility. I had training to help him walk, get in and out of the car, and they sent us home with a walker, a gait belt, and a tub seat. The medical doctors did not supply much, but he went straight to rehab after spending 15 days in the hospital.
I’m in Australia & the local council offered me support as a caregiver when I was arranging in-home support for my Mum. I cried when the council worker said, ‘We need family carers so you need as much support as we can offer.” Too often society wants family members to not just provide care for vulnerable elders, but to do it willingly, even joyfully and above all, invisibly.
We are so touched when another sees the incredible value we provide. I'm so glad another saw that in you, Michelle. Thank you for all you do.
I had a mixed experience. There were a few people who not only didn't help, but were dismissive of and inconsiderate to me. Fortunately, many of the people who workd with my dad (cancer) and my husband (ALS/Lou Gehrig's Disease) did often reach out to me with expressions of concern and compassion. When my dad was in the VA Hospice, the team took me aside to see how they could support me because they were concerned that I was traveling about 5 hours/day to visit while I had my husband with ALS at home. They always asked how they could help me figure out how to get extra help and just to check on how I was doing. My husband was treated by an ALS team and the social worker was always available to me- I actually met with her a couple of times, and she did offer some resources. The visiting nurses team also worked closely with me, providing the emotional support that they could. A lot of it came down to finances, which they couldn't exactly solve, but their compassion and reaching out to me, put me in touch with my own feelings and considering myself.
This is so beautiful and touching, Abby. I love how the hospice team took the time to know you so knew about your other worries and responsibilities. You remind me that when other resources (like help with money) isn't available, kindness and compassion can feel like we've received an invaluable gift.
Hi Denise, this is so so true in my case as well - sadly!!! There is a group of professors, caregivers and care provider admins who came together at the University of Alberta to create a free online training suite of modules for health care professionals - and it's all about caregiver-centred care! Have a look https://caregivercare.ca/ Donna
This is an awesome resource, Donna. We are connected on Twitter and just love the impact of the collaborative effort.
I remember the rush of relief when I knew there was a name for the complex array of tasks and emotions that flooded in and consumed my life as Mom & Dad declined, when I first realized I was a CAREGIVER and support was available.
It's sooo good to see you, Mary! it is a relief when we realize we can access support and help. It's also a relief when we realize this is really hard, that it's not us making it hard. It really is this complicated and complex.
I'm sorry to hear this! I feel very fortunate with the help I've received. from the rehab facility. I had training to help him walk, get in and out of the car, and they sent us home with a walker, a gait belt, and a tub seat. The medical doctors did not supply much, but he went straight to rehab after spending 15 days in the hospital.