|
Support for Families & Caregivers
Tips for Caregivers
"I hope you know how special you all are. We would not have been able to help my dad without your love, caring, helpfulness, talent and skills."
This is one note of many we receive, not from patients, but from patients' own caregivers -- those special people who put their own needs aside to share their gift of love.
But caregivers need care, too. When you are the caregiver, remember to:
- Take care of yourself.
- Eat well. Avoid fast foods, and drink plenty of water.
- Take time for yourself and pamper yourself. Treat yourself to something special at least once a week.
- Know who will listen to you.
- Exercise regularly.
- Enlist the help of other family members or friends in sharing the caregiving responsibilities.
- Ask for and accept the help and support you need. Remember, others don't automatically know how they can help.
- Get enough sleep.
- Be open to suggestions and new ideas.
- Evaluate your emotional state, and get help for depression.
- Be willing to say "No" to others' needs.
- Take advantage of the services offered to you through Hospice.
- Keep in mind that you will never become super-human.
And here are some wise words for caregivers from Rev. James E. Miller, DMin.
- The healthiest way to care for another is to care for yourself.
- By focusing on your feelings you can focus beyond your feelings.
- To be close, you must establish boundaries.
- In accepting the helplessness of your helping, you become a better helper.
- Caregiving is more than just giving care. It is also receiving care.
- As a caregiver your strength is in your flexibility.
- In the everydayness of your caregiving lies something more: sacredness.
Circle of Support
"Hospice care lessened my anxiety VERY MUCH. I KNEW I could get help with ANY problem regarding my husband at ANY time."
As a family member or friend of one who is ill and facing life's end, we understand you're dealing with a very challenging and difficult time in your own life.
Our Circle of Support offers a safe, caring and confidential place for people who would like to share their experience with others and to better learn how to understand and deal with their situation. Group members are encouraged to discuss their personal situation to their level of comfort, and will be reminded to keep any information about others within the meeting room walls.
Circle of Support, led by hospice social workers, offers a place:
- To talk about how you're feeling
- To discuss common problems and stresses that arise in the face of death
- To learn new ways to cope with and manage stress
- To learn how to take care of yourself
Join Circle of Support on the first and third Tuesdays of every month, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Collier Hospice Center. There's no need to pre-register. Please call 303-467-4828 if you have any questions.
"The responsiveness of all staff members was excellent. This is a quality program with quality and caring staff."
Transitions
Unique to metro Denver and designed for those with a life-limiting illness who can benefit from volunteer-based supportive assistance, Transitions is for those who:
- Are managing a life-limiting illness
- Are undergoing either active, curative treatment or who are getting specialized care to ensure their daily comfort
- Are not yet ready to make a decision about entering a hospice program
Services include:
- Emotional support and companionship
- Respite for caregivers
- Connection with community resources
- Errands and shopping assistance
- Meal preparation and help with household tasks
- Escort to medical treatments and appointments
"All of the Hospice staff cared for my mom as though she were their own mother."
Transitions Volunteers:
- Take 20 hours of initial, comprehensive training, including bereavement support for family members
- Are overseen by the Transitions coordinator
- Have access to a multidisciplinary team of professionals, including registered nurses, social workers and chaplains
- Receive routine supervision, education and evaluation
Services are available throughout the Denver metro area. Call 303-425-8000 and ask to speak with the Transitions coordinator for more information.
"I thank God for all your staff. They comforted the whole family throughout this very difficult time in our lives. They also made my father very comfortable. He really enjoyed their patience and friendliness. Thank you very, very much!! May God bless you and all your staff."
|
