The Connections Between Patient and Caregiver Mental Health
by Sheryl Karas M.A.
I co-lead a support group for patients in the early stage of Alzheimer's Disease and their caregivers for the Alzheimer's Association in conjunction with Del Mar Caregiver Resource Center. One of the caregivers in the group had emergency surgery several weeks ago and almost died. When she returned she looked radiant. I had never seen her look so healthy and relaxed.
"I learned something wonderful!" she joyfully reported. She had been sick for a long time without realizing it. But now that she was healthy, rested and relaxed after a long enforced break from caregiving, her husband (the Alzheimer's patient) had improved! He wasn't cured by any means, but because he felt less nervous around her he was able to remember things more easily.
Her husband piped in at this point."It's important to feel confident around the person who takes care of you". He agreed that it made a big difference.
So, caregivers, take care of yourself! And don't be afraid to take a break when you need it.
Your patient needs you well-nourished, well-exercised and relaxed. And you need you, as well.
Respite Options
So, if you're a full-time caregiver, how do you get time away to care for your own needs?
People who have an emergency health crisis, like the woman above, find out the hard way: there's ALWAYS somebody (paid or unpaid) who can fill in for you. Pay for services, if you can't find a family member, friend, neighbor, church associate or volunteer to help you. If you can't afford services, the Alzheimer's Association, the Del Mar Caregiver Resource Center, the Easter Seals Society and many other service organizations can give you a hand.
If your patient is reluctant to have anyone but you care for them, explain their options and the consequences. Let them know that there's no choice -- you have to have time to take care of other needs and obligations or you won't be able to care for them -- so how do they want to handle it? Depending on their physical or mental capacities, their options may include:
* inviting a friend or neighbor over for a cup of tea and conversation
* attending an adult day service (Elderday, Cindy's Celebrations) or social program (Senior Centers, Parks and Recreation, Dominican and Watsonville Hospitals provide activities and Liftline can provide transportation)
* in-home respite care provided by a professional careworker
* the Friendly Visitors Program provided by the Volunteer Center (427-5070) or by Lifespan Care Management Agency (469-4900)
* a part-day or full-day stay (2 hours minimum) at a residential care facility (Call the Alzheimer's Association at 464-9982 for recommendations)
* being left alone with an emergency call button-type service (Companion Service through Watsonville Hospital 763-6092 and Lifeline through Dominican Hospital 462-7562 are two options in Santa Cruz)
* none of the above - they provide the solution
Caregiving Articles
© Copyright 2007 Sheryl Karas & Paul Hood
A new version of this article can be found in Sheryl’s latest book The Spiritual Journey of Family Caregiving.
Caregiving Articles