6th Annual Brain Tumor Conference: Support for the Caregiver

Support for the Caregiver
Caregiver often neglectful of themselves
Challenging to balance work, caregiver responsibilities, own needs
Difficulty concentrating, distracted, tired, lack of sleep, guilty about doing things for yourself, guilty not doing enough, frustration/anger, tearful, lonely, overwhelmed, feeling bad about not having these thoughts/feelings
Need to discuss your feelings with family, friends, church, groups
Make time for yourself, if not, can lead to depression
Take care of your own health: sleep, diet, exercise
Delegate: hire people
LA Caregiver Resource Center
- will come to your home to see how accessible your home is
- ask questions to caregivers
- give depression test (60% caregivers are clinically depressed)
- offers counseling to cope with what is going on
- support groups
- legal consultations
- respite funds
- link to care on website (can ask doctor, lawyer, or caregiver)
- caregiver retreats
- classes
Maintain sense of humor at all times