You've probably used the phrase "Ready, Willing and Able" , when you were committed to pursuing a task or challenge. When it comes to family caregiving, you may not feel ready, willing or able to take on this overwhelming challenge. Most people are not trained or prepared to be caregivers. When the role of family caregiver is assumed, it is either;
- Thrust upon them in a crisis, usually a medical emergency; such as a stroke or a fall.
- Or it happens gradually. Over time they take on tasks and responsibilities until they realize that they are spending allot of their time in caregiving.
There are many areas to consider when providing family caregiving, and the phrase may be better stated as “Able, Willing and Ready”?
The family and extended family including friends and neighbors must first be able to take on the responsibility of caregiving. Ability covers a wide range of issues, including;
· Physical Ability;
o Are they physically capable of taking care of someone else, or do they themselves have physical or medical limitations?
o Do they live within commuting distance to the person needing care?
o Do they have the time to dedicate to caregiving?
o Do they have training in caregiving, or are they able to get training?
· Mental/Emotional Ability;
o Caregiving can be emotionally stressful, especially for those providing care for a long time.
o Has there been any history of depression?
· Financial Ability ;
o Are there funds provided to compensate a family caregiver?
o Is the caregiver able to devote full time to caregiving, or do they have full time career responsibilities? Are they able to take a leave of absence?
o The cost of products and services associated with providing care add up fast. For many caregivers the expenses can be significant.
The next issue that family member should consider is that of willingness. Not all family members are willing to take on this role, or responsibility. There are an unlimited number of reasons why someone may not be willing;
- They are uncomfortable with providing the physical care of someone.
- They can’t stand to see their loved one’s condition deteriorate
- They don’t feel they are a part of the family unit.
- There are conflicts in values.
- They feel they don’t have a choice
- Caregiving takes time and they are already busy with other responsibilities.
- They may have been planning a retirement, or have some other goals for their life.
There may not be a full understanding of what the family caregiving role covers. They may have felt that the “hands-on” caregiving role was the only option, and once they realize there are other things they can be responsible for, even at a distance, they may be willing to become a part of the family caregiving structure.
Being ready for family caregiving. Stress comes not from what is done, but from not knowing what to do or how to do it. Being ready means knowing what may be needed, who can do it, and how to access it.
- Usually the role of primary caregiver falls to one family member.
- Talk about who might assume that role.
- Can the family provide compensation for the primary caregiver?
- Is there a need for a caregiving class, or training in a specific area?
- Everyone could take on a secondary caregiver role.
- Provide support and relief to the primary caregiver
- Help with legal and financial issues
- Help with other issues and needs.
- Research what equipment or services may be needed
- Do you need to get equipment in the home, or do you need to make modifications to the home?
- Should you bring in nursing assistance, or respite services?
- Many services have waiting periods or waiting lists. Find out how to access the services you may needs.
- Discuss feelings about alternative living arrangements
- Will there be a need for assisted living or nursing home placement?
- What facilities are available in your area?
- Visit facilities, so you are prepared if the need arises.
These are just a few of the considerations that need to be addressed when providing family caregiving. Will your family be Able, Willing, and Ready?
Comments