Support for Caretakers
Helpful Information for the Caretakers of the Neurologically Ill
Those with neurological or other illnesses often have support systems to help them meet their physical and emotional needs. But what about their caretakers?
There are specific support systems for caretakers. First and foremost, there is physical help. A caretaker can easily deplete her physical energy if she tries to take on all of her loved one's needs. Those with limited mobility, such as stroke or neurodegenerative disease patients, need extra help moving from place to place. A second caretaker need that must be addressed is emotional support. This is a vague area because oftentimes the caretaker shows no signs of emotional distress, and can feel guilty for even feeling this way. Listed below are some sources for support:
Adult Daycare/ Nurse Care
Caretakers can get a break from physical stress by working with an adult daycare or a home health aide. An adult daycare is just what its name implies: a facility that tends to adults with physical or mental challenges during the day time. Caretakers can then work outside of the home or merely use this facility as a needed respite. Much like childcare, adult daycare can be utilized on a full-time or part-time basis. Nurse care, either by a registered or practical nurse, or by a certified home health aide, is an in-home option. These professionals come to the patients' homes and provide such services as feeding, wound care, injections, bathing, etc. Both daycare and nurse care can be costly so it is wise to see if your insurance covers either.
Disease Foundations or Societies
These organizations are not just for patients. They provide information, latest research, area doctors, fundraising information, as well as message boards, chat rooms, and contacts for caretakers. A great way to find such organizations is to search online. A majority of disorders have societies, and a majority of societies have websites. Key the disorder or illness into a search engine and browse the websites that come up. Within the websites, look for information about local chapters.
Caretaker Support Groups (Online and In-Person)
Support groups for caretakers can be facilitated both online and in-person. Online groups (such as message boards and chat groups) can be found at the above-mentioned disease foundations or societies. Or some websites are completely for support. Scout around. Still other society websites offer in-person caretaker support through local chapters (example: the National Multiple Sclerosis Society website.) Finally, a good way to find a local in-person support group is through a local hospital. Many of their newsletters provide such information, or you can always call them.
Social Workers
Social workers can provide help to caretakers by finding daycare, nurse care, in-person support (for both caretakers and patients), as well as patient physical therapy. They can also provide emotional counseling to caretakers and patients. Social workers have a lot of information at their fingertips; they are much like agents in that they can "represent" someone and more easily find needed resources.
*****For related neurological information, visit the Neurological ARTICLE INDEX and Blog.
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