Question 1

what is long distance caregiving?

Accepted Answer

See below: Loved one prefers to stay on current location instead of moving to another location because of fear of losing independence while the primary caregiver live in a long distance that is unable to provide for loved one due to career, health issues or spending more time with families. Geriatric case manager or family counselor is the one to coordinate care for both loved one and primary caregiver.

Question 2

what does caregiver syndrome mean?

Accepted Answer

Caregiver Breakdown : Usually occurs when a caregiver (cg), usually family, provide hands on care for a prolonged period of time. The cg is usually the only person caring for the family member/client and may have little or no breaks during this time. The client usually requires significant hands on care. The cg can become resentful, which can lead to guilt and other emotions. Worse case scenario abuse may occur.

Question 3

how do caregivers obtain legal rights?

Accepted Answer

Paperwork: Caregivers sometimes have various legal rights depending on what is needed and the wishes of the person for whom they are caring. Among these are healthcare proxy, which allows the caregiver to make decisions related to the person's medical care if they are unable to do so. Papers must be drawn up, signed, witnessed, attested-to, etc for these legal rights to be granted.

Question 4

why would   feel guilty as a caregiver?

Accepted Answer

Common: Guilt is a common emotion experienced by caregivers. It can include feelings that one could have done more, should have known better, would have done differently in retrospect etc. You must take care of yourself as well. Look for support information here: http://www.Nlm.Nih.Gov/medlineplus/caregivers.Html.

Question 5

what could stop me from being a caregiver?

Accepted Answer

Caregiver stress: Stress can be a serious matter in a caregiver. If you experience some of these signs , you should call your doctor soon.
.•anger 
•social withdrawal 
•anxiety 
•depression 
•exhaustion 
•sleeplessness 
•irritability 
•lack of concentration 
ignoring them can cause you physical and mental health problems. However with adequate support and education you can cope succesfully with them.

Question 6

how would   hire a good in-home caregiver?

Accepted Answer

References: Get references from someone who is bonded and givesw a good personal reference, and may be from an agency that vouches.

Question 7

what can i do to honor my wife's caregiver?

Accepted Answer

I would reccomend: Giving her a cash bonus and an appreciative hand written letter. Good luck. Dr. B.

Question 8

how can caregivers take care of themselves?

Accepted Answer

Get some rest: Caregivers can best care for themselves by taking a break &amp; getting some rest periodically. Caregivers also need to know their own limits and ask for help when appropriate. If family member is serving as caregiver, often times it's better to hire non-family member to serve as caregiver, thus allowing family member to act as family member, not caregiver. Hope that makes sense.

Question 9

when do i know i need help with caregiving?

Accepted Answer

Overwhelmed: If experiencing feelings of anger or resentment towards the one needing care, feeling overwhelmed, having heightened anxiety or depressed mood, lacking enjoyment in activities, feeling burdened or put-upon, or having less than half a day a week away from caregiving, then caregiver burnout is to be suspected. There are always options (eg ask friends/family for help).Family doc may have suggestions.

Question 10

what happens when a solo caregiver gets ill?

Accepted Answer

Support system: This really speaks to why having a support system in place is important when providing care for someone.  Being a sole caregiver sometimes leads to taking less care of yourself, and then increases your chance of getting sick. Plan ahead by having a support system in place. If you're already sick look for other resources-ask your church, doctor's office, community agency for help.

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A member asked:

What is long distance caregiving?

A member asked:

What does caregiver syndrome mean?

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How do caregivers obtain legal rights?

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Why would feel guilty as a caregiver?

A member asked:

What could stop me from being a caregiver?

A member asked:

How would hire a good in-home caregiver?

A member asked:

What can i do to honor my wife's caregiver?

A member asked:

How can caregivers take care of themselves?

A member asked:

When do i know i need help with caregiving?

A member asked:

What happens when a solo caregiver gets ill?

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