by Gale Lyman, RN, BSN, HNB-BC. An estimated 44 million Americans are family caregivers (NAC & AARP, 2015), dedicated to caring for their loved ones. When caregiving is done, many would describe it as a sacred time, something they would willingly do again. Even so, a 2015 survey revealed that 21 percent of caregivers think …
Substitute caregivers: respite when family caregivers need a break
Calm and centered caregiver series Family caregivers, do you need someone to substitute for you? If you take care of a loved one who cannot care for themselves, ‘respite’ is the official name for help so you can take a break. Even if you find caregiving to be a blessing, research indicates family …
Continue reading "Substitute caregivers: respite when family caregivers need a break"
Mini me-time for family caregivers
The Calm and Centered caregiver series Family caregivers, do you find it difficult to be calm and centered? Do you have frantic caregiving days when you can’t even take a shower? Everything was urgent and in the moment for the loved one in my care. On the days when it is most …
Away with you! Respite travel for family caregivers
The Calm and Centered Caregiver series Family caregivers, when’s the last time you had a vacation? Is that even a legitimate idea - a vacation from family caregiving? It absolutely is, and the official term is ‘respite.’ During ‘normal’ times people vacation for all sorts of reasons; a change of scenery, to …
Continue reading "Away with you! Respite travel for family caregivers"
Respite relief from compassion fatigue
Calm and centered caregiver series Family caregivers, do you need a break? Your dedication to your loved one is amazing, and caregiving is rewarding. But perhaps you are feeling restless, irritable, oversensitive, anxious, angry, or resentful. Or are you experiencing headaches, digestive problems like diarrhea, constipation, upset stomach, sleep disturbances, or even cardiac …