NOW LET'S DISCUSS SOME OF THE REWARDS OF CAREGIVING: Caring for someone brings you closer to that person, creating a special bond. You will make a material difference in a loved one's life. It will likely change your perspective on life and your own humanness.
The Carer Burden Scale is a reflective tool designed to assess the impact of caregiving responsibilities on the mental, emotional, and physical well-being of carers. If your occupational therapist has suggested completing this scale, it's an opportunity to take stock of the load you're carrying.
The Caregiver Support Ratio is defined as the number of potential family caregivers (mostly adult children) aged 45-64 for each person aged 80 and older those most likely to need LTSS. The caregiver support ratio is used to estimate the availability of family caregivers during the next few decades.
The Home Care Association of America proudly sponsors the annual Caregiver of the Year Award, a national program that recognizes the top caregivers across the country who provide care and services at home, such as assistance with bathing, dressing, and medication reminders, to seniors and people with disabilities.
“In many cases, caregivers reported receiving benefits like enhanced self-esteem, recognition and gratitude from their care recipients,” Roth adds. If you are a caregiver—or know one—these smart strategies could help harness this advantage.
What is meant by 'DDC'? Within the health professions many people are believed to be “double duty caregivers” (DDCs) – those individuals who provide care both at home and at work.
Many family caregivers report positive experiences from caregiving, including a sense of giving back to someone who has cared for them, the satisfaction of knowing that their loved one is getting excellent care, personal growth and increased meaning and purpose in one's life.
In an earlier NAC survey, caregivers reported their biggest reward was knowing that the recipient was well cared for. Caregivers also said they were happy, helpful, grateful, thankful, and lov- ing.
8 Essential Caregiver Skills You Need To Succeed Effective Communication. Empathy and Compassion. Observation and Attention to Detail. Patience and Understanding. Physical Stamina and Strength. Time Management and Organization. Problem-solving and Critical Thinking. Cultural Competency and Respect.
These include: Recognition/self-identification as a caregiver. Social support (e.g. community support, support from the caregiver's immediate circle, task sharing) Health and social services (e.g. respite, needs identification/assessment, training, psychosocial support)