Caregivers: Supporting Your Recovery Team
Caregivers: Supporting Your Recovery TeamYour stroke may have happened to you, but when it comes to your treatment and recovery, you’ll rely on ateam of healthcare professionals and caregivers every step of the way.Just like your stroke will change your life, it will also change the lives of your caregivers and loved ones.“I guess that's all I thought about, was what to do about him. I knew that he would be well taken care ofin the hospital, but then I was worried about, when he gets home, he's going to need somebody athome. I carry the insurance, so I knew I couldn't be out of work. I didn't have a lot of time that I couldtake off.”“You want to be supportive. You need to listen to everything that’s being said, but all of a sudden yourealize this person is very sick, and your life is going to change.”A stroke can affect you both physically and emotionally. Some effects may be obvious right away, like yourability to perform daily functions, but others may take more time to become felt.Just as these changes can be overwhelming for you, they can also be very difficult for your caregivers.“It's going to take a while. And no one knows how long it's going to take. Even the neurologist, thedoctor has no idea how long it's going to take. And so, you have to have patience and realize thatthings are going to keep getting better.”Just like the patient, stroke caregivers can experience a range of emotions, including: shock; anger; fear; loss;feeling overwhelmed; unsure of how to help.At the same time they are dealing with their own emotions relating to the stroke, they may also be strugglingwith the extra workload that comes with being a caregiver.This can mean everything from arranging transportation to therapy, making sure all the prescriptions are filled,dealing with insurance and finances, and continuing to work to bring in income.The good news is there are resources to help caregivers. And you can also help in supporting your caregiversby making sure they are taking care of themselves.“You have to realize is that you can’t be with this person 24 hours a day seven days a week. You needto take some time for yourself.”The American Stroke Association and other organizations, including your local hospital and stroke centers,offer support groups.Support groups can help provide education on stroke as well as connect caregivers with other people in thesame situation.“Often times they are sharing their experience which would include feelings of frustration, anger. Thosefeelings are normal to have and what’s good about the support group setting is they will find that thereare other caregivers, other family members that can relate to their experience.”This program is for informational purposes only. Publisher disclaims all guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness,or suitability of this video for medical decision making. For all health related issues please contact your healthcare provider.PRG57512A EN CaregiversSupportingYourRecoveryTeam.pdf© The Wellness NetworkPage 1 of 2Caregivers: Supporting Your Recovery TeamEven with support, taking on the responsibilities of being a caregiver can be challenging and emotionallydifficult. Some caregivers may notice symptoms of depression.Some of these symptoms might include: feelings of hopelessness; feeling overwhelmed; feeling tired; changesin sleep patterns; changes in eating patterns; getting angry easily; thoughts or talking of suicide.If you are a caregiver and experience these symptoms, or if you see these symptoms in a loved one, seek outhelp from a qualified mental health professional.There are also steps caregivers can take to protect their mental health, including:Setting reasonable goals for caretaking.Creating a support network of their own with people they can confide in.Getting exercise.Participating in activities they enjoy, like playing games, or going to movies.And asking for help from others.A stroke is something that happens not only to you, but to the people in your life as well.Each of you will face your own challenges, and you all can support each other through the difficult times.This program is for informational purposes only. Publisher disclaims all guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness,or suitability of this video for medical decision making. For all health related issues please contact your healthcare provider.PRG57512A EN CaregiversSupportingYourRecoveryTeam.pdf© The Wellness NetworkPage 2 of 2
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