Caregivers provide unpaid care and emotional support to family members and friends

Presenter: Shelly Collins with Ms. Lorraine Best NL Caregivers Out of Isolation - Seniors Resource Centre of NL

Why am I here ?

To provide information on caregiving issues

To inform you about the Provincial Caregivers out of Isolation Program with the Seniors Resource Centre of Newfoundland and Labrador

Synopsis of presentation

Caregiving: An overview Building a support network – Why is it important?Getting organized making plans Finding the balance - self care Caregivers Out of Isolation A caregivers perspective – Ms. Lorraine Best

Thank you for attending this session

A Caregiver is

Someone, of any age, who provides unpaid care to a person whose ability to care for themselves is restricted

Caregivers can have different life experiences. They may:

Live in rural or urban areasHave low, medium, or high incomes Come from different ethnic backgrounds Have different religious and spiritual beliefs

A care receiver is someone, of any age, who needs assistance as a result of:

An illness An impairment An injury A medical diagnosis at anytime including birth Failing health

What do caregivers do ?Coordinating the care plan Helping around the houseTransportation Personal care Emotional support Dealing with financial and legal affairs Planning respite careAdvocacy

The Caregiver and Care Receiver Relationship Can be complicated – Feelings of love even guilt

and resentment It is a short term care arrangement It is a long term care arrangementYou and your caregiver live in the same home or

separate homes or even a care facility Long distance caregiving is the new reality

When caregiving is left to one person

This is often referred to as being a “Primary Caregiver” and can happen for different reasons

A parent wants one particular child to care for them

Family members that are contributing financially feel they are giving enough

Family members may live far apart

Siblings who work outside the home or have other family responsibilities, think other family members have more time for caregiving

When caregivng is a team effort Communication is key !Include the care receiver in decisions as much as

possible Share activities and strengths with others Be honest about your time and financial commitment Be willing to compromise, circumstances and people

change Some times all you have to do is ask ! Ask for Help!!!

Build a Support Network What is available close to home ?What can my employer offer? (Flex time )What support is available in my community ?What support is available online ? Online chats and

forums that can helpWhat support is available in the region or province?

For respite care, home care, palliative care, and nursing homes? For prescription medications? For persons with disabilities?

What support is available from the Federal Government?

As a caregiver, you may be eligible for various forms of assistance from the Government of Canada. Service Canada has prepared a list :

Apply for Employment Insurance Compassionate Care Benefits

Claim the Caregiver Amount on your Income TaxExplore Live in caregiver Options CPP Disability – Part of the Canada Pension Plan Canada Pension Plan Survivor Benefits For more information www.servicecanada.gc.ca

What is available from the Provincial Government

Support can be made available for respite care, home care services, palliative care and nursing homes.

There can be nursing home or lodging subsidies Provincial Prescription Drug Program

These programs and subsidies are offered through the Regional Health Authorities on an individual basis

In special circumstances there is also services/funding available through HRLE (See Programs and Services Guide for Individuals

and Families)

What is available from the Provincial Caregivers Out of Isolation Program ?

Free - Caregiver Information Line

726-2370

1- 888-571-2273

Caregiver Support Group

Caregiver Support Group St. John’s Region

Meet once a month

The groups are open for those providing care to family or friends, regardless of age or care giving situation

This group also has an educational component (Guest speakers are brought in as requested)

Caring Solutions Newsletter

Caring Solutions Newsletter Quarterly & Free 1000 people on distribution Mail out 300 are distributed electronically Province Wide

View the most current Caring Solutions newsletter online at www.seniorsresource.ca

Caregiver Information Guide NEW * A Information Guide *

Almost complete This will include useful information for caregivers on:

Navigating the system RespiteStress relief /dealing with emotions Communication Issues Home repair /Housing issues Elder Abuse

The caregiver as an advocate Seeking out support, services and good care for

your care receiver means you are advocating for them. You and other family members know your care receiver better than anyone. As an advocate, you want to make sure the care receiver is looked after safely, with dignity.

Why self care is important Sometimes caring for the needs of another can feel

overwhelming and stressful. As a caregiver, you may feel guilty about taking time for yourself. That can negatively impact your health, employment, and your relationship with the care receiver and your caregiving abilities. If not careful this can lead to “Burnout”.

Are You Burned Out?

Burnout Symptom #1: Emotional Exhaustion This symptom presents with the feeling of being emotionally drained, as if you feel you’ve got nothing left to give, even when dealing with the people and relationships that matter to you most.

Burnout Symptom #2: DepersonalizationYou feel mechanical and robotic. It’s as if you’re just going through the motions to survive the day. You feel as if your normal self has disappeared.

Burnout Symptom #3: A Sense of Diminished Personal AccomplishmentChronic stress can result in you feeling that you just can’t get anything right. You may feel that you are failing at your job or in your relationships. You’ve become very hard on yourself.

Dr. Oz says if how you feel matches up with these symptoms, it may be a sign that chronic stress has taken its toll on your body. But there are things you can do to more effectively manage your stress and reduce your risk of burnout.

If you could take away 1 thing from this presentation

Plan ahead and prepare for the unexpected