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Report on stress of family caregivers

Started by Nouce

23 Jan 2015, 7:31 PM

Greetings. My sister, who can acccess CBC from her home in NY, says she heard that a report was released in Canada on the stress experienced by family caregivers. Does anyone out there know of something recent? If so, I'd be glad for a link.

Nouce

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Reply by NatR

23 Jan 2015, 10:13 PM

Hi Nouce

i am not aware of the program or link - but I will bet there is a podcast out there about caregiver burnout.

if I find one - I will share it;)
natR
😃

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Reply by KathCull_admin

23 Jan 2015, 11:57 PM

Hi Nouce
This link is from NatR - she just wasn't able to send the link from her phone.
http://www.cbc.ca/m/news/health/stress-of-family-caregiving-red-flagged-1.2927628

Let us know what you think.

Katherine

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Reply by moderator | modératrice

25 Jan 2015, 6:08 PM

Here's another interesting report released Jan 21, 2015 by the federal department of Employment and Social Development Canada.

Report from the Employer Panel for Caregivers - When Work and Caregiving Collide: How Employers Can Support Their Employees Who Are Caregivers

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Reply by KathCull_admin

04 Feb 2015, 4:05 AM

Did these links help Nouce?
Katherine

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Reply by Nouce

04 Feb 2015, 1:16 PM

Indeed! Thanks very much. I haven't had time to digest it very much, but I've shared it with the Human Resources folks at my institution.

Nouce

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Reply by moderator | modératrice

22 Feb 2015, 8:41 PM

The report found, "We need to support caregivers' health. We know caregivers who are under a lot of stress will ultimately develop mental health and potentially physical health problems as well."

We certainly didn't need a report to have come to that conclusion. Everyone sharing here on Virtual Hospice is living it. Let's start compiling a list of what you have and what you need.

As a caregiver, what supports do you have? What supports do you need?

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Reply by NatR

22 Feb 2015, 9:28 PM

Hi Colleen,

as as a caregiver, and no longer actively caregiving...I would say that we all can be thrust into the role without a moments notice.

an example I will share is a friend of mine who is a single mom of a teen daughter ( daughter has mental health issues) plus my friend lost her job through downsizing in December 2014.

on top of this already difficult load...her mom was diagnosed with Alzheimer's several years ago - and is in a facility. Her father in his 80s just came through double pneumonia - he lives alone at home abd refuses homecare

my my friend gets numerous phone calls from him, she cooks for him, runs errands, helps him dress for medical appointments

this is a daily thing...the need to respond to a family member.
personally I am her support...and she calls often. Because of my career of caregiving she knows I will understand and if possible try to offer some ideas on coping...mostly it's about support.

so, my biggest recommendation is to listen, be kind, offer help if close enough...or just get that caregiver to take a break out of the situation- a movie, dinner with friends, a walk in fresh air..but mostly it's that listening ear...it's a helpless feeling to do it alone.
natR

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Reply by oldbat

23 Feb 2015, 12:04 AM

Hi Colleen,

What I have: myself mostly. One or two friends who have walked the seemingly endless road with me, CVH - a HUGE help emotioally, other friends who "drop in" once in a while but are'nt really "there" for Karl and me, books music, tv about once a week, Netflix - my go-to when I'm down. That's about it - my shortlist.

What I need: Someone who can get Karl and me the essentials I can't go out for when the weather is bad - like now. It's been FIVE - count'em - weeks since I could get out into my neighbourhood - snow, ice and extreme cold. I'm handicapped so can't go anywhere without Wheeltrans. Thank God for them! My closest friends live too far away and have too busy lives to be on-call for me. I desparately need WT tickets for Karl and me, but can't get them. Yes there are volunteers: The Society for Sharing is one, but no-one to call on week-ends. I try to plan, but occasionally miss out. So I'm stranded. Because I haven't been able to shop recently I have to use Grocery Gateway. They are good, but occasionally make mistake in unwelcome substitutes. They are also very expensive.

I'm using up all MY savings for his care. Care-givers should get a tax break, specially long-term ones.

Better meals on wheels. I'm sure most of us would be willing at least a couple of dollars more for tastier, more appetizing fare. I currently pay just under $10 for meals from another provider. These are excellent, but expensive.

More help at home. I am currently fighting AGAIN to get two hours a week. I'm so grateful when I do, and love my care-giver, but I shouldn't have to keep fighting for so little.

And, I have to echo Nouce, KINDNESS, KINDNESS, KINDNESS. Try to understand what we're going through. How would you (everyone not a care-giver) cope in this situation. Use a little imagination and a lot of empathy!

I think that's it for now! But do want to thank you and everyone else who runs CVH. I honestly don't know where I'd be without it.

oldbat who is obviously frustrated, but would never want to be without Karl. He makes it all worth it.

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Reply by JennJilks

24 Jan 2016, 2:40 PM

Caregivers can get a tax break by having your doctor declare your loved one disabled. After my dad died, there was some paperwork, but we got back quite a chunk on his personal taxes through his medical. His doctor back dated it to when he first had his brain tumour.

You have to keep track of distances traveled, parking, and the like, as well.

Financial Information for Cancer Patients (PDF)

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