At a time when hospitals are releasing patients earlier, the elderly are
living longer, and people are living with many chronic illnesses, more family members and friends are caring for loved ones
at home.
Often, people find themselves having to perform new and unfamiliar tasks.
These may include giving medicines, helping with personal care, assisting with meals, and performing medical and nursing procedures.
A "family caregiver" is anyone who provides any type of physical and/or
emotional care for an ill or disabled loved one at home. Sometimes, "family" is whoever shows up to help.
There are different types of family caregivers. Some caregivers are parents
of children with physical, mental, or emotional illness.
Some are adult children of aging and frail parents who can no longer care
for themselves. Others are spouses, life-partners, family members, neighbors or friends, caring for loved ones suffering from
an illness or disability.
Regardless of how you became a caregiver, you are about to take on
a new role for which you may not feel prepared.
It is normal for you to feel nervous or overwhelmed about what is expected
of you.
You may experience a number of mixed emotions including anxiety, anger,
and sadness. At the same time, you'll probably feel the desire to care for your loved one as best as you can.
This site is provided to help you feel less alone and overwhelmed, and
to aid you in becoming the best caregiver you can be. This means helping you get information, recognize when you need help,
ask for and accept assistance from others, and take care of yourself.
Source:
Department of Pain Medicine
and Palliative Care
Beth Israel Medical Center, NY
