Caregivers' Corner

If you have been taking care of someone who is sick, has cancer, has a disability, has a mental illness, or has any kind of impediment in their life, you are a caregiver. Caregivers often do not get the recognition they deserve for the lengths they go to for the person they are caring for. No matter who you are caring for, the CCA understands that this can be a full-time job - one you may even be working alongside your 8-5 job. This corner of our website is for you!

Every two weeks, the CCA updates our Caregivers' Corner section to remind you that you are not alone -- that you are seen, appreciated, and all your feelings are valid. Whether you are feeling overwhelmed and stressed or you are finding joy in caring for someone else, your feelings are valid! You do not disappear into the person you are caring for, and it is important to remember that. This section exists for you. We will be compiling our articles' tips, tricks, and advice - all endorsed by medical professionals - as well as creating a resource list just for you.

Tips for When You're on a Roll

Check In with Yourself Consistently

Congratulations! You are on a roll, feeling like you have your caregiving responsibilities in the bag. For some people, there is no higher joy in life than acting in service of others - especially if they are family. While this is wonderful, it is important to know it make not last forever.

The Caregiver Action Network indicates that when faced with suffering like that of your care receiver, caregivers can become prone to depression. If you are feeling off, or not entirely like yourself, click the button on the left-hand side of the screen. Mental Health America's depression screening is completely anonymous and confidential; it is simply a tool which could indicate if you should seek professional help.

Check In with Yourself Consistently

Tips for When You're Feeling Overwhelmed

Ask for Help!

While you may feel that you are the only person who would understand the needs of your care receiver (and you probably do know them best!), sometimes, you may physically or mentally need help. This does not make you a bad caregiver and it is not something you need to feel guilty about.

When you are feeling overwhelmed, or like you need a break, you can:

1. Make a list of people you trust to care for your care receiver,

2. Review this list with your care receiver and ask if they feel comfortable with anyone on the list. Adjust your list accordingly!

4. Talk to your care receiver about what they would like you to help them with and what tasks they are okay if someone else does. For instance, buying groceries and bathing someone are not the same thing.

3. Contact the trusted people you and your care receiver agree on and ask if they would be willing to help in certain situations. Maybe agree on a time frame that would work for everyone (maybe the ideal time frame is a few hours, maybe a few days).

4. Be clear about boundaries! This will ensure the best outcomes for everyone.

Checklists to Help You Help Them

Doctor's Visit Checklist

The Caregiver Action Network recommends doing the following before, during, and after a medical appointment:

Before:

1. Write down any concerns or questions you have.

2. Identify any symptoms your care receiver is experiencing.

3. Keep your medication list up to date -- this includes over-the-counter medicines too!

During:

1. Bring your medication list.

2. Clearly explain symptoms, but don't try to diagnose them -- trust your doctor!

3. Ask all the questions on your list and record the doctor's answers/instructions.

4. Discuss recommendations.

5. Verify when the follow-up appointment will be.

After:

1. Discuss what the doctor said with your care receiver.

2. Update your calendar to reflect new appointments.

3. Call the health clinic to follow-up or get test results.

Caregivers' Resource Library

Online Resources