Caregivers

Caregiver Stories

  • Bessie Durio is the mother of Bryan Durio, who was in a head-on car collision in late 1979, was knocked into a five-week coma, and was paralyzed on his left side. Read Bessie's daily notes as Bryan progressed from being comatose to full wakefulness in the hospital.

  • Deanna Scott is the author of the book, Reconstructing David. Her book tells the intimate story of a mother's dedication and devotion to her teenage son's recovery after a brutal motorcycle accident, and the long, slow journey back from traumatic brain injury. An encouraging book for someone who is going through the difficulties of dealing with a brain-injured family member. Click here to read a moving story about caregivers by Deanna. To order Reconstructing David, visit www.booksurge.com.

  • Wynell Hunt is the mother of Scotty Hunt (Read the story Scotty wrote in Survivor Stories). Scotty was in a horrific auto accident when he was only 20 years old. Wynell wrote a book about Scotty's story which covers the experiences of their family and Scotty throughout his recovery (from those first full days in the hospital, to college, then marriage). Read about Wynell and her book, Why Scotty?

  • Garry Prowe is the husband of Jessica Whitmore. Jessica suffered a severe brain injury in an automobile accident. Garry has passionately spent the last several years writing a book that he hopes will help the brain-injury community. With Jessica's help, and with the help of numerous caregivers and survivors throughout the United States, Garry wrote Successfully Surviving a Brain Injury, A Family Guidebook (From the Emergency Room to Selecting a Rehabilitation Facility). Read a selection of the book entitled "How Well Will My Survivor Recover?"

  • Lois Daniels is the mother of Willie Daniels (read his story in Survivor Stories). Willie is a brain-injury survivor who was shot 7 times (4 bullets in the head) and left to die. Lois and Willie both are training to become Peer Visitors. Read Lois' story of survival and faith.

  • Jim and Yvonne Raisin's lives changed in an instant when their son, Saul, was cycling in the Tour de France and crashed. For 3 weeks he was not expected to live. Click here to read their story.

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Care for the Caregiver - Jean Kropa

Jean Kropa, author, mother, caregiver of a son for over 20 years (who was injured falling from a tree at age 8) shares:

The one area that I would like to emphasize with you is caring for yourself. Now is a good time for you to “give yourself extra attention. Try a manicure … a shampoo & set … a hot-soaking bath … a cup of tea …”

Read more of Jean's advice.

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Trust Protector Committees

Are you interested in setting up a special needs trust for your brain-injured loved one? "Our disabled loved ones are often dependent on us to provide for them today and after we are gone," states A. Kel Long, III, an attorney in Atlanta, who has years of experience in this arena. His website is www.AKELLONG.com

Read Kel's newsletter regarding some important issues that you should consider.

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Caring for the Caregiver - Stuart Hanzman

Stuart Hanzman, a licensed clinical social worker and father of a son who sustained a brain injury less than 2 years ago, has over 15 years of experience counseling both brain-injury survivors and their caregivers. Stuart shares his own thoughts about how to care for the caregiver. "If the Caregiver does not take care of themselves, there will be two sick people. The brain injury happened to the whole family; everyone in the family system is affected." Click here to read more of Stuart's advice.

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SYNERGY Home Care April 2010 Newsletter

Click here to read articles on:

  • Personal Finance: Federal long-term care
  • CNA Training Programs in Nursing Homes on Decline
  • Coping with Guilt
  • The Daughter Trap: Taking care of Mom & Dad ... and YOU

SYNERGY Home Care May 2010 Newsletter

Click here to read articles on:

  • Driving While Demented
  • Resources for Soldiers, Vets and Families
  • Americans losing confidence in healthcare
  • Senator: Caregiver benefits an empty promise

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Recognize and Accept Your Feelings

Fear

In the beginning, there's the immediate fear of not knowing whether or not your loved one will live or die. Then comes the fear of not knowing how much disability, if any, your loved one will have. You may be afraid that the life you had planned together will change. As recovery progresses, you may be faced with financial concerns and other issues. All of these fears are natural and to be expected. The best way to handle them is to learn as much as possible about your loved one's condition and the many resources available to you.

Anger and Resentment

Be prepared to feel anger and resentment. These are common – and natural – feelings. After all, your life has changed, and you had nothing to do with it! You may be ashamed of these feelings. You may ask yourself, “How could I be so selfish to put my concerns ahead of my loved one's after this life-threatening event?” These feelings are perfectly normal, so don't fight them. Just accept them and recognize that they come with the territory.

The only time they are likely to become a problem is if you don't take care of your own needs – needs for time alone, friends, activities, and rest. If you become overtired or overstressed, your anger and resentment may grow and hurt your own health.

Frustration

You may also feel frustrated or impatient with what seems to be slow progress. Perhaps you feel your loved one should have gotten over the blues by now. Talk with the doctor and other healthcare providers to learn what to expect during and after the recovery period. While it's great to encourage your loved one to be self-sufficient, resist the urge to set unrealistic goals.

Other emotions, such as loneliness, sadness, guilt, or relief are also normal. Accept them and find ways to deal with them. If you have a good relationship, you can talk out some of these feelings with your loved one. Or you might want to discuss them with a good friend, family member, support group, clergy member, or professional counselor. It's amazing how simply talking about your feelings can help your outlook.

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Top 10 Caregiver Survivor Tips

  1. Join a support group.
    Don't try to go it alone. Talking with other caregivers helps you feel less isolated and more in touch with life. Contact the nearest American Heart Association for support groups in your area.

  2. Let the survivor do as much as possible.
    As a caregiver, you try to do everything to help your loved one. But as time passes, it's a good idea to let your loved one take over as much as he or she can.

  3. Ask for help.
    Caregiving may be a new role for you. It takes time and help from others to learn how to be a good caregiver. You can't do it all, so build a caregiver team. When people offer to help, accept the offer and suggest specific things that they can do.

  4. Learn all you can about your loved one's condition.
    Knowledge is power. The more you know the better care you can provide and the less fearful you'll be.

  5. Stay in the mainstream of life.
    Keep everyone who's concerned informed about your loved one's progress. And be sure that both of you see friends regularly and stay in the mainstream of life.

  6. Involve the entire family.
    Hold regular family meetings, conference calls, or send emails or letters to keep everyone up to date about the survivor's progress. Keep it factual and upbeat. Assign tasks to each family member.

  7. You deserve a break.
    Take time to recharge your batteries. Take a few minutes alone, read your favorite magazine, or visit with friends. When you need a longer break, take a weekend. A solid support network will help give you these timeouts. Choose to take charge of your life, and don't let your loved one's illness or disability always take center stage.

  8. Do things you enjoy.
    Keep up with activities and hobbies you had before your loved one's brain injury. It's not healthy to give up the activities you enjoy. Remember to be good to yourself.

  9. Develop a new attitude.
    Life is not the same, but it's not hopeless. Grieve for your losses, and then allow yourself to dream new dreams. Think of life after a brain injury as a second chance – a time of healing and adjusting priorities. Talk with your loved one and develop new dreams together. Think positive.

  10. Watch out for signs that you are becoming depressed.
    Caregivers often have intense physical fatigue, worries about the future, and a sense of loss. Learn the signs of depression and get help if they occur. To avoid depression, find time for regular exercise to increase your energy (even if you only stretch in place). Also, concentrate on getting relaxed sleep rather than more sleep.

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The Six R's of Caregiving

Responsibility
Your first responsibility is to yourself.

Rights
Caregivers have the right to health and happiness.

Replenish
Keep yourself replenished with nutritious foods.

Reality
Accept the reality of what can and can't be controlled.

Refresh
Take time to refresh your mind and rejuvenate your body every day.

Reach Out
Stay in touch, ask for help, and reach out to others.

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Top 10 Things to Do for Yourself

  1. Get regular physical activity.
    It's a good energizer, reduces stress, helps control blood pressure and cholesterol, and helps maintain a healthy weight. Start by walking 15 minutes a day, even if it's just around the yard.

  2. Eat heart-healthy foods.
    They give you more energy, combat depression, and help prevent health problems.

  3. Take time every day to do something you enjoy.
    Claim time for yourself — schedule it! Read, listen to music, do crafts, cook – whatever makes you happy and relaxes you.

  4. Keep humor in your life.
    Laughter is good medicine. It quickens the pulse rate, stimulates blood circulation, activates muscles, increases oxygen intake, and fosters relaxation. And remember, laughter is contagious!

  5. Get out once a week.
    Go to a coffee shop, attend church events, take a class, or visit a friend. Ask for help if your loved one needs constant attention.

  6. Treat depression and stress.
    Recognize signs and symptoms. When they start to occur, do something about them. Get help. Talk it out. Admit your feelings.

  7. Take care of your business.
    Keep your checkbook balanced, work when you need to, spend time with friends and family, and keep planning for the future.

  8. Keep all medical and dental appointments.
    If you're sick, you won't be able to do what you need to do for your loved one. Ask for help when you need to get away and take care of your health. Be sure to explain your caregiver responsibilities, not just your symptoms.

  9. Think positive.
    Refresh your mind every day. Admit your limitations. Pat yourself on the back for the job you're doing. If you're feeling guilty or angry, it's time to take a break.

  10. Stay connected with the outside world.
    Keep up with outside friends and activities. Don't isolate yourself. Stay in touch, even if it's just by phone or online. Talk about something other than your situation and maintain an interest in the world outside your caregiving role.

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