Giving Gifts

Believe it or not, 2007 is right around the corner, it is hard to fathom that we are almost a decade into the new century.  The New Year may offer us new hopes and wishes, but it also allows us to take a moment to reassess the things we need from the other members of our loved ones care team:

 Top Ten Things a Caregiver Needs from a Health Care Provider

1. Attention.  The caregiver’s loved one may be the twenty-first similar case you’ve seen today, but to the caregiver, this is Mom or Dad, sister or brother.

2. Compassion. Be diligent in its application.

3. Time. A few moments of your uninterrupted time is some of the strongest medicine you will ever administer and it costs so very little.

4. Respect. The person pushing the wheelchair is also a part-time bookkeeper, therapist, insurance specialist, immediate medical expert, chauffer, psychologist, pharmacist, incontinence specialist and full-time general in the war being waged against the illnesses and diseases that their loved ones are battling. This person not only needs your respect, he or she deserves it.
5. Dedication. Be relentless in your devotion to your calling. The caregiver has entrusted you with his or her most valuable asset – a loved one. You earn that trust with your skill, knowledge and ability
6. Honesty. The caregiver is your partner in this endeavor; he or she deserves (and can handle) the truth.
7. Prudence. Graceful disclosure of the truth is a true test of a caring professional.
8. Advocacy. Never accept less than the best your system has to offer the caregiver’s loved one.
9. Understanding. The caregiver plays a pivotal role in the well-being of your patient; understanding the needs, wishes and fears of the caregiver improves your patient’s care.
10. Your well-being. Know your emotional limit and learn when to ask for help. Your loved ones and the caregiver’s loved ones need you to remain well.     

Take care
Gary Barg
Editor-in-Chief
gary@caregiver.com

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Carenotes
I have spent most of my adult life dealing with the elderly in one way or another and am now trying to figure out what life is all about. Being the caregiver for my 99 year old mother leaves a lot of time to think and wonder about it. These experiences have made me think I never want to be really old and frail and it tends to change the way I approach things. For example, I decided to stop taking vitamins and decided not to have major dental work done. Although I am only 69 and in good health, I have made funeral arrangements for myself. Signs of depression? Maybe. But, I am trying to be objective about the issues around being a caregiver of the elderly and considering writing about them. I would appreciate anyone's comments about how being a caregiver has affected your outlook on life to give me a broader perspective. It seems end-of-life issues are not often discussed, but I suspect they are thought about.   Answer This Week's CareNote: carenotes/2006/index.htm
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