Part 9 Lesson 2 When it is Time to Say Good Bye
Caregiver School
In the previous lesson of caregiver school you learned about the natural process the physical body goes through as it prepares for death. This lesson I focus on the psychological and emotional needs of the dying and those that care for them. As a hospice social worker my focus was on the emotional well being of the caregiver. It is difficult to let go, to allow your loved one to do what they need to do to die peacefully. But you can help to ease this transition and allow you to say goodbye.
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Part 9 Lesson 1: Letting Go
Caregiver School
There comes a time when we must begin the process of letting go of our loved one. When the caregiving journey is coming to an end. Accepting that the journey is ending can be emotionally overwhelming triggering strong feelings of guilt, sadness and fear. But it also can be a time of healing, reconciliation and closure for everyone. As you enter this last stage there are things that you can do or learn that might help ease the stress.
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Part 8 Lesson 1: Caring for the Caregiver
Caregiver School
In today's busy world we all suffer from times of stress and anxiety. Add the burden of being a family caregiver and you may feel constantly overwhelmed by stress. Understanding what stress is and what causes it are the first steps to managing it. Family caregivers who are unable to manage their stress will find themselves tired, constantly frustrated, irritable or depressed.
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Part 7 Lesson 2: Managing Difficult Behaviors
Caregiver School
Usually family caregivers are dealing with changes in behavior or cognitive functioning long before any diagnosis of dementia is made. Most diseases that cause dementia will follow a predictable path of disease progression and knowing the stages can help family caregivers plan and prepare.
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Part 7 Lesson 1: Understanding Dementia and Alzheimer's Disease
Caregiver School
So you are beginning to notice some strange behavior or troubling symptoms. Your loved one is not just forgetting things but does not seem to know or remember. They are not just confused but lost. You know that this is more then just old age more then just a typical "senior moment". So go in search of a diagnosis that explains the symptoms and behaviors. Most are givien a broad diagnosis of dementia but not a lot of help or information on the cause or the treatment.
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Part 6 Lesson 3: Long Distance Caregiving
Caregiver School
Long distance caregiving can be quite stressful responsibility. Managing affairs from a far and worrying about the "what if's" can be overwhelming.
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Part 6 Lesson 2: When Professional Help is Needed
Caregiver School
So what do you do when your loved one needs more care then you have time or skill to provide?
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Part 6 Lesson 1: Staying at Home
Caregiver School
Helping your loved one manage their day to day activities is different for every caregiver.
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Part 5 Lesson 3: Do I Need a Lawyer?
Caregiver School
Do I need a Lawyer is a question everyone asks when talking about advanced directives.
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Part 5 Lesson 2: Getting Their Affairs in Order
Caregiver School
Being a family caregiver involves juggling a lot of different roles and taking on many new responsibilities. Managing your loved one's affairs is three unique areas of responsibility: medical agent, financial power of attorney and Executor of the estate. Each of these roles will require a written document or advanced directive to authorize you to manage these responsibilities. In this lesson we'll go over the role of the medical and financial power of attorney
info_outlineFor some the beginning of their journey as a family caregiver is obvious. A sudden heart attack, stroke, accident or injury requires a family member to step up and take charge. So what do you do if you are suddenly thrust into the role of family caregiver? When faced with a situation that requires a more immediate response and more definitive action plan. Priorities change, planning becomes a more urgent need and the learning curve is steeper and more critical.
So here is a Practical Plan of Action that you can use to prepare for the journey ahead. Print out the accompanying worksheet to follow along.