Getting help with caring
Kristine Berey
For the first time, Dawson College Centre of Training & Development is offering a workshop on the basics of caregiving. “Our objective is to offer education that addresses the learning needs of the community, ” explains Lidia De Simone, nurse and teacher of the 6-hour workshop. “Many people today are meeting the challenge of taking care of their elders. Most of us do not have a model for this. There simply weren ’t as many older persons who required help in the past and there were also more young family members available to do it. ”
While practical issues such as hygiene, nutrition, mobility, elimination, available resources and health and safety will be addressed, participants will be able to discuss their personal experiences, and the meaning and impact caregiving has on their reality.
“There are a number of challenges caregivers face,” says De Simone. “One can be emotional — it is really hard to see someone you love lose capacity.”
Helping a loved one remain independent isn’t always easy, “So many times we want to take over for our elders — do it for them — and that isn’t helpful. We need to help them be as autonomous as possible.”
Another difficulty is caring for a parent when the parent/child relationship has seen conflict. “For some people, that can lead to a lot of guilt feelings. In some cases, the late years of a person ’s life can allow for some healing to occur between parent and child, but of course that is not always the case. ”
The increasing load of physical labour necessary in caregiving, especially when the caregiver is also a senior or is also responsible for young children, can be daunting.
“If you are helping a loved one, it might start with mowing the lawn, doing the shopping, banking, accompanying them to the doctor — those things that mean going outside. Then, as more help is required, it may mean doing housekeeping, meals, and laundry. If a person requires help with activities of daily living, then you probably need some assistance, unless you have lots of spare time and have learned care techniques. ”
De Simone says there are many private resources that are accessible and affordable.
As well, government programs are available, such as the Tax credit for Home Support-Services for Seniors, that will help pay for the assistance people over 70 need to remain in their own homes. The CLSCs can inform caregivers of various programs in their area, including support groups, day centres and respite care.
She says it’s imperative for caregivers to be proactive. That includes caring for themselves. To avoid caregiver burnout, be aware of feelings of isolation, anger, helplessness, anxiety and depression, and get the necessary assistance before these feelings spiral out of control.
“I think people can help themselves in a number of ways,” says De Simone. “The first thing is to recognize that some help is required, then to assess one’s resources in managing the situation. If there is a little money, place it in prevention, like ensuring good meals and proper bathroom set-ups. A safe home means not only quality of life, but quantity of life. ”
For information on the Quebec Tax Credit for Home-Support Services for Seniors, call 1-800-267-6299. For further info, call the CSSS Cavendish/CLSC René-Cassin at: 514-488-9163.
