While it can feel daunting to focus on the ‘doom and gloom’ of caregiving, it is also important to know the risks and what to keep an eye out or on an everyday basis. By remaining proactive, you have a good change to both reduce the stress that can come when dealing with unexpected situations and, with a bit of luck, prevent more serious consequences:
1) Physical risks.Prolonged inactivity, decreased mobility, side effects from medication and underlying health conditions can give way to a number of physical risks including:
• Slips and falls – install grab bars and remove clutter and tripping hazards
• Skin breakdown – improve wheelchair seating and consider a pressure mattress to reduce the risk of pressure sores.
2) Mental and emotional concerns. A new diagnosis, medication side effects, and lifestyle changes may lead to the need for support or professional intervention. Look for:
• Signs of negativity, depression or sudden anxiety
• Social isolation and loneliness with a lack independence
• Aggressive or confused behaviour
• Withdrawal and/ or lack of appetite
3) Financial matters. Details can become overwhelming or difficult to manage. Keep an eye out for and be ready to help with things like:
• Unpaid bills and overdue credit card payments
• Excessive spending or unnecessary frugality
• Changed circumstances that lead to reduced income due or lack of ability to work
• Financial and home maintenance scams that habitually target seniors
• Finding transportation that is affordable, accessible or reliable
4) Logistics and home maintenance. Keeping up with appointments and things that need to be done around the house can become increasingly difficult. Watch for:
• Missing appointments. Create a shared calendar in print or on-line for appointments.
• Not eating well. Keep a shopping list and help out with food prep
• Old food. Check best before dates and clean out fridge
• Do a monthly check for household repairs
• Arrange for snow and grass to be done by a relative, friend or contractor
Being a caregiver -either professionally or for family- can take its toll. There’s a number of risks that full and part-time caregivers alike should pay attention to:
• Caregiver burnout from the mental and physical strain of caregiving
• Lack of training or experience to undertake medical tasks
• Isolation and not getting enough support
• Physical health issues, as the stress of caregiving can weaken the immune system
• Lack of self-care due to prioritizing others needs over your own.
Photo: CanStock
Caregivers Club
Caregiving can be daunting but being prepared and arranging for appropriate assistance from friends, family and community support programs can make all the difference. Check out the Canada Cares Caregiving Club for more information and tips to help you on your journey. https://www.caregiversolutions.ca/caregivers-club/
