Family caregivers frequently become caregivers without any plans or intention to take on the role. Someone they love loses their ability to provide for their own care and someone needs to take on the task of helping. Caregiving rarely begins as full-on 24/7 care, but in many situations, it becomes that. Individuals who become caregivers rarely have prepared themselves to become caregivers. They haven’t studied anything in school to prepare themselves and they probably never thought about how they would handle a caregiving situation. Becoming a caregiver often involves taking on financial and legal responsibilities, healthcare decisions, activities of daily living, social and recreational life and communication. Caregivers report that they fear the legal and financial responsibilities the most, but it is the communication problems that are the most exhausting.
Although preparation for caregiving may not have been a priority, now that you are a caregiver it is essential to help you manage your role as a caregiver. Caregiving can be a very difficult and challenging role, but it can be easier if you are prepared. It can be a gift if you can manage the challenges and have time and energy to fully experience the opportunity to give of yourself to someone who has entrusted their life to you.
Seek out opportunities to take caregiver training. There are many opportunities provided through organizations such as the Agencies on Aging, AARP, senior centers, hospitals. Most are offered at no cost. Training topics vary to include hands on demonstrations of physical care; preparation for medical visits; community resources; evidenced based training on communication, caring for persons with dementia, financial and legal planning, nutrition, self-care for caregivers and home safety.
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Caregiver training helps caregivers feel better able to manage their responsibilities as caregivers. They report feeling more competent and less stressed. It also offers an opportunity to meet with other caregivers and learn from their experiences.
