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Caregivers

Caregivers provide support to people whose health conditions restrict their ability to care for themselves. Caregivers offer assistance with daily tasks and physical maintenance. The majority of people who receive caregiving support are those with chronic health conditions, who are frail or elderly, and those with disabilities.

While there are professional caregivers who provide this kind of support for a wage, there are informal caregivers as well. These are family members, friends, or neighbours who go out of their way to care for loved ones with no monetary compensation. According to the Victorian Order or Nurses (VON) there are 3 million Canadian informal caregivers over the age of 15 who provide care to a family member or friend. This role is admirable and heartfelt, but what happens when it becomes too much? Below are some guidelines for informal caregivers who are feeling the pressure:

Caregiver burnout
Respite and day programs
The government’s role

Caregiver burnout

Because an informal caregiver is providing the care to a loved one, they may feel an obligation to cope with the added stress without complaint. However, this can lead to caregiver burnout, also known as “compassion fatigue.” Burnout occurs when a caregiver experiences both physical and emotional exhaustion related to caring for a loved one. Generally, burnout happens to people whose care demands are high for a long period of time, or who are caring for multiple people (e.g. aging parents and young children).

Over time, as a caregiver’s own needs go unmet, they may become irritable, angry, resentful and anxious. Caregivers need to understand that feeling exhausted, overwhelmed and scared is natural and common. You should be aware of the signs and symptoms of burnout so that they can be treated before they take a significant toll. As with any unusual symptoms you may experience, consult your doctor for specific advice and recommendations.

Find some simple strategies to help you avoid burnout and stay healthy in the Caregiving Guide or by visiting the Living Lessons website, a Health Canada recommended caregiver resource.

Respite and day programs

If you need a break from your caregiving duties, there are public and private programs across the country that care for individuals for a short period of time. Respite programs provide care for your loved one by experienced individuals, allowing you to rest and avoid burnout. They also give the patient a chance to interact and enjoy activities with their peers.

Getting into a respite program depends on available space and the urgency of your situation. If you live in a rural or northern area, you may find respite programs hard to find. Health Canada provides a chart explaining what kind of publicly funded programs are available in each province, including the general services they offer. You can also check your provincial guide to find out what is available in your area.

If you are an informal caregiver, you may be eligible for some tax benefits and financial support. Visit the Canada Revenue Agency to learn more about the resources available.

The government’s role

Every province and territory has a home care program, though the eligibility criteria and services differ in each province. In general, home care programs are available to people with provincial coverage who are ill or disabled in some way, have care needs that are beyond the abilities of family or friends, and are not eligible for help from other agencies.

Services in the government home care programs can include:

• nursing
• physiotherapy
• occupational therapy
• speech therapy
• social work
• dietary counselling
• homemaking

These services may also be provided free of charge by contracted organizations like the Red Cross or the Victorian Order of Nurses.

Key Websites:

• Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association: Living lessons
• Health Canada: Respite for family caregivers
• Service Canada: Being a caregiver
• The Care Guide
• Victorian Order of Nurses Canada: Caregiver information

Related Articles:

• Chronic Disease Management: Take your health into your own hands
• Pain Management: Communicating your needs
• Health Advocates: Someone by your side
• Locating Reliable Health Information Starts Here

References