Caregiver

As the Canadian population ages, it’s likely that an increasing number of individuals will be required to assist and support an aging person with a chronic health problem, including someone who has had a stroke. In 2007, more than 2.7 million Canadians aged 45 years and older provided care to an older person with long-term health conditions or physical limitations (Cranswick and Dosman, 2008).

In general, a caregiver can be a spouse, family member, friend, or neighbour who takes care of an individual.

These effects may shift over time, as a caregiver develops a routine and learns how to deal with the individual who has had a stroke. However these effects also underscore the fact that caregiving puts a great deal of stress on the caregiver and may cause them to feel overwhelmed and alone.

• Poor nutrition• Depression• Financial challenges• Worry• Lack of sleep

• Frustration• Reduced quality of life• Anger• Lack of physical activity

• Guilt• Anxiety• Stress• Sadness• Social isolation

Tips To manage caregiver sTressStroke is a life-changing event not only for the person who had the stroke, but for the family as well. It’s just as important to focus on your needs too. It may sound selfish to take care of yourself when someone you care about is suffering, but it’s very difficult to take care of someone who needs you if you aren’t coping or healthy yourself. Here are some strategies you may find helpful:

caregivers may experience any of The following challenges, when dealing wiTh someone who has had a sTroke:

Nearly 6 in 10 caregivers are women aged 45 and over.

1. Stay healthy. Eat well, limit alcohol use, and be physically active for at least 150 minutes each week.

2. take care of yourSelf and take the time to relax. For example, read a book or magazine. Get away for an afternoon. Visit with friends. Join a support group of stroke caregivers. Consider bringing in respite care services every now and then to cover for you and give you a break if the person who had the stroke cannot be left alone.

4. aSk for help. The Heart and Stroke Foundation offers a Living with StrokeTM

program that’s designed for stroke survivors and their caregivers to gain confidence in managing the challenges of living with stroke. To find a Living with StrokeTM program in your area, call 1-888-473-4636 or visit www.heartandstroke.com and search “Living with Stroke.”

3. keep thoSe you care about cloSe. Involve family and friends in caring for your family member and continue to take part in usual social and recreational activities as much as possible.

KEY REFERENCES:Cranswick, K., & Dosman, D. (2008). Eldercare: What we know today. Retrieved from http://www.statcan.gc.ca/pub/11-008-x/2008002/article/10689-eng.pdfGillespie, D., & Campbell F. (2011). Effects of stroke on family carers and family relationships. Nursing Standard, 26(2), 39-46. © Windsor-Essex County Health Unit, February 2012.

5. keep your medical appointmentS. Make sure to get your annual checkups and screenings. Again, taking care of yourself is a very important part of being a caregiver.

6. explore community reSource optionS. A number of agencies may offer services such as home support or live-in caregiver services. These differ in price and service level. Check your local listings for more information on community resources available in your area. If your employer offers an employee assistance program (EAP), you may be able to access information and referral to community resources as well as supportive counselling. If the live-in caregiver program is an option for the person you are caring for, you may want to visit the Canadian Caregivers Association website: www.cca-acaf.ca/ choose_agency.htm for information on how to choose a caregiver or nanny agency.

Being a caregiver also means that there may be financial stress placed on you. This may happen because you’re still working and trying to juggle both your work and caregiving roles. it’s not easy, but as a caregiver, you may be eligible for the following types of assistance:

1. Your employer may offer options such as flexible work hours, job sharing, or a family care and health leave. Consult your manager or Human Resources Department to learn about your options and for more information.

2. The Government of Canada offers Employment Insurance Compassionate Care Benefits. This applies to persons who have to be away from work for a short time to provide care or support to a family member who is very sick with a significant risk of death. Contact Service Canada for more information on these services or to see if you qualify at 1-800-622-6232 or visit: www.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/lifeevents/caregiver.shtml

3. There are income tax credits related to being a caregiver. Contact the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) to see if you can claim the caregiver amount tax credit on your income tax. Visit www.cra-arc.gc.ca and search “caregiver” for eligibility criteria or call toll-free at 1-800-959-8281 to learn more. New credits and reimbursements have been proposed starting in 2012. For more information, check out www.cra-arc.gc.ca/gncy/bdgt/2011/qa02-eng.html

Your role as a caregiver is important. However, you won’t be able to care for anyone if you don’t care for yourself first. Understand the physical, emotional, and financial stresses that you may face and seek out the appropriate support to help reduce the burden. Help is available. For more information, contact your employee assistance program, health care provider, the Canadian Mental Health Association, or your local branch of the Heart and Stroke Foundation.

Taking care of yourself is a very important part of being a caregiver.