Today's NY Times website features a new article called "Offering Care to the Caregiver." It opens with the author, a doctor, observing the way a man was caring for his aged father. Afterwards, she observes to the son "You're tired, aren't you?" The man's eyes fill with tears. No doctor has ever asked him that before.
The article deals with the rising awareness among physicians of the need to recognize the caregiver's place in the health care team and to recognize the stresses imposed on both their physical and emotional health.
After reading the article, you can go over to the Well blog (also on the NY times site) and leave comments about your own caregiving experiences.
Judy Barlas Member Relations Specialist NFCA info@thefamilycaregiver.org
Judy thank you so much for posting this article's link. It is finally nice to hear that "some" doctors are asking about the caregiver. This brings up something that happened to us this past week. Fred was having a procedure at the hospital and I was given a chance(ok I really picked up the report & read it!!!) The normal doctor speak - why he is here- what needs to be done & then the last sentence- He is brought in today by his wife who is an amazing caregiver for him. I broke down & cried- I never realized how much I needed to hear this by someone. Usually I only hear the negative complaints from co-workers & family members and that one statement by this doctor made me realize that I am an amazing caregiver to my husband and to all those who have the "negative" comments I will say to them- Walk a day in my shoes and then you can voice your ideas". Thanks Jennifer
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I'm 42 feeling like I'm 90
Thanks so much for the article. For myself, I am fortunate that we have very good doctirs that work with my wife and myself as a team. Also fortunately for me, the last comment I got from a health care professional was that I looked rested. (instead of tired)
Lack of training is a big issue. I consider myself quite resourceful, and I had to find bits and pieces wherever I can. I wish that the health care system can have some investment in training the family caregivers to care for the loved ones and also themselves. Even just training literatures can help a lot. A relatively small investment can save a lot of health care costs fo the family caregivers who became ill or injured due to lack of training.
Jennifer, thank you so much for sharing your story! It made me feel incredibly warm inside. I do tell caregivers that we have to be proactive in demanding information and respect, but I certainly know that there are doctors that will feel put off by this. Still, we have to stand our ground and insist on what we need, hoping that doctors will understand that our participation can make their job easier.
Min-Shih, I agree with you that often we aren't given all the information and training we need. I am especially concerned about caregivers hurting themselves when doing transfers from, for example, bed and wheel chair. Perhaps you can ask if a nurse can show you how to do it safely. They know are lot, and are the ones who really have the experience in hands on caregiving.
Thanks for your suggestions, I am ok. Actually what I expressed was just my general concern. I learned transfers and lifts from nurses, CNAs, and also somewaht from the military training I had.
I also do find the handbook published by the State of Washington, and som eother similar publications, quite helpful.
Thursday January 21, 2010 3:42 PM
