| The caregiver role is complex and differs for | | | | view of their current health. This information will |
| everyone depending on the needs of the | | | | help the doctor get a more complete picture of |
| care-receiver. Many times, in the beginning, there | | | | the condition of the care-receiver. |
| may only be a few needs, such as providing | | | | 4. Assist as little as possible in tasks the senior |
| transportation or helping with shopping or cooking. | | | | can usually handle himself/herself. Just as it is not |
| Over time, needs increase, requiring additional | | | | easy being a caregiver, it is not always easy being |
| services, until the care-receiver is fully dependent | | | | a care-receiver. |
| on the caregiver. Here are some tips to help you | | | | The gradual loss of independence and control over |
| get started: | | | | just about everything is difficult to accept. |
| 1. Every caregiver should know as much as | | | | Remember, seniors have the right to their dignity |
| possible about the care-receiver. You should know | | | | and pride. |
| their characteristics and personality style. For | | | | 5. Caregivers should express warmth and concern |
| example, you should know their likes, dislikes, | | | | towards the welfare of the care-receiver. |
| family members, ailments, etc. | | | | If the care-receiver has a poor self image or |
| You should know if the care-receiver is outgoing | | | | feelings of inferiority, the caregiver may have to |
| or reserved, task-oriented or people-oriented. | | | | provide reassurance while ignoring negative |
| Once you get to know them better you will be | | | | behavior. |
| able to understand their needs and behavior | | | | A caregiver must have patience (and stamina) for |
| patterns. | | | | change in moods. |
| 2. Every caregiver should know and understand | | | | 6. Be a good listener. Many times seniors may |
| his/her responsibilities, duties, and tasks. As a | | | | simply want you to listen. They want to share |
| caregiver, you have a responsibility to be sensitive | | | | their stories. Caregivers must be careful to avoid |
| to the needs of the care-receiver, and to find a | | | | put downs and choosing sides. |
| way to satisfy their needs. | | | | Pay attention and be able to connect the dots |
| This may require you to enlist the help of others. | | | | between past, present, and future. Listen |
| The duties of the caregiver usually change and | | | | intuitively or use your sixth sense to hear |
| increase over a period of time. Set up and follow | | | | underlying messages. |
| a care plan. | | | | 7. Smile a lot. Be a good friend and companion. Be |
| Recording essential daily information will assist | | | | as positive as possible. |
| everyone on the Care Team. It also allows | | | | 8. When friends and family neglect to call or visit, |
| another caregiver to take your place fairly easily. | | | | do not hesitate to remind them. |
| 3. Stay updated on the health condition of the | | | | 9. Ask for help. Advocate for what you need. |
| care-receiver. | | | | Sharing the care of a loved-one benefits |
| As the health of the elder deteriorates and more | | | | everyone. |
| needs start to surface, it is important for the | | | | 10. Maintain your self-composure and avoid stress. |
| caregiver to find out how to cope with them. | | | | Elder abuse can occur as a result of caregiver |
| Keep a log of his/her daily activities (medicine | | | | stress. |
| taken, food intake, sleep habits, temperament, | | | | It is imperative that you are aware of and deal |
| etc.) so that you will always have a snapshot | | | | with stress. |