Caregivers: Understanding The Affects of Caring For A Loved One Who Has Survived A Stroke

Laura M. Cohen, B.A., Psychology ExternVA Miami Health Center

June 18, 2013

As the primary caregiver for a stroke survivor,

You are an important part of the recovery process.Potential Feelings Rewarding Challenging Overwhelming

Caregiver Role

In a survey of 1,480 caregivers, it was reported that:

On average, caregivers spend 20 hours per week providing care.

13 % of caregivers spend more than 40 hours a week caring for loved ones.

How Caregivers Fit Into The U.S. Healthcare System

Take care of someone who has a chronic illness Taking part in informed decision making and treatment

planning Coordinating appointments with healthcare

professionals Helping ensure that medications are refilled and taken

properly Helping with everyday tasks such as meal preparation,

bathing and toileting

What Does It Mean to Be A Caregiver?

Assisting with walking and transportation Monitoring survivor health Being aware of pain, dietary instructions,

depression or risk factors that may lead to a second stroke

Managing financial or legal and end-of-life matters Providing encouragement and support for your

loved one and family members Supporting survivor independence

What Does It Mean to Be A Caregiver?

Behavior

Depression & Anger

Emotional Liability

One-sided Neglect

Memory Loss

Communication Problems

Lifestyle Changes for Survivors and Caregivers

A person’s “role” or place in the family helps define who they are.

When a stroke happens, roles may no longer fit.  

Types of Roles Spouse Parent

Changes in Relationships

Find new roles and things that your loved one can do This will boost confidence.

Encourage your loved one to do as much as possible Help when you need to. Avoid being too protective.

Be patient The stroke can make it hard to do simple tasks.

What Is You Loved One’s New Role In The Family?

Help your loved one relearn skills in small steps Start with easy tasks. Slowly, add new skills.

Have a daily routine Allow short, frequent times in the day to

practice skills.

What Is You Loved One’s New Role In The Family?

Remember that your loved one is facing a lot of changes

Realize that your loved one will always be your parent

Let your loved one make as many choices as possible

Be direct and firm if your loved one’s health or safety is an issue

Tips for Changing Relationships

Caregivers may feel more stress than the general population

Twice as likely to become depressed and frequently experience sleep deprivation.

Less likely to seek treatment for these conditions.

Keep this in mind: Caring for yourself is just as important as caring for your loved one.

Caregiver Stress & Depression

Sadness or an “empty” mood Feeling guilty, worthless or helpless Problems concentrating, remembering or

making decisions Change in eating habits and/or weight

changes Feeling hopeless Lack of energy or feeling tired and “slowed

down”

Signs of Depression

Problems with sleep, such as trouble getting to sleep, staying asleep or sleeping too much

Easily angered or irritable Wanting to be alone or spending much time

alone Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and

activities, including sex, that were once enjoyed

Signs of Depression

 If you have thoughts of killing yourself:Get help right away!

Call 9-1-1 or your healthcare provider. This is a serious problem.

RED FLAG: Suicidal Thoughts

Medicines, such as anti-depressants are almost always helpful.  

Psychotherapy (talk therapy) is used along with medicines. Talk therapy gives you a safe place to talk about your feelings.

Support groups provide a place to share your feelings with other caregivers.

Other caregivers understand what you are going through. They can help you find solutions to your problems.

Treatments to Discuss with Healthcare Team

Taking care of yourself will make you a better caregiver.

Put taking care of yourself at the top of your list

Ask for help Find time for yourself Laugh and have fun

Caregiver Self-Care

10 Tips for Caregivers: How to Cope

1. Accept that you cannot do this alone

2. Educate yourself3. Allow yourself to

grieve4. Learn to relax5. Eat Well

6. Stay Active7. Have Fun!8. Stay Social9. Get Support from

Group10.Take things one

day at a time

Questions???

Special Thanks to –Dr. Diane Polakoff, Psy.

D.

Family Caregiver Alliance. (1999). Work and eldercare. Retrieved October 23, 2008, from http://caregiver.org/caregiver/jsp/content_node.jsp?nodeid=413*

National Stroke Association (2012). Cregivers and Stroke: Caregivers Guide. Retrieved June 13, 2013 from: http://www.stroke.org/site/PageServer?pagename=careliving_guide#cg

Pandya, S.M. (2005). Caregiving in the United States. AARP Public Policy Institute. Retrieved October 23, 2008, from http://www.aarp.org/relationships/caregiving/info-2004/us_caregiving.html*

Uphold, C.R., Hanjian, J.M., Wing, K.L., Findley, K.E., & Knauff, L. (2011). Resources & Education for Stroke Caregivers' Understanding & Empowerment (RESCUE). Web-Based Informational Materials for Caregivers of Veterans Post-Stroke. Retrieved June 13, 2013, from: http://www.rorc.research.va.gov/rescue/index.cfm

Wilken, C.S. (2006). Balancing work and caregiving: A guide for employers. University of Florida IFAS Extension. Retrieved October 23, 2008, from http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/FY873*;

References