A generation ago, caregiver training programs were reserved primarily for professionals who provided care for the elderly, disabled in nursing homes, assisted living facilities or who provided paid in-home care. Today, with the baby boomers steadily growing older, more families are caring for elderly relatives or the disabled on their own. While it’s commendable for these individuals to care for their parents or siblings who can’t care for themselves, it adds an incredible amount of stress to family members, particularly the caregivers who are responsible for the majority of the work.
When family members care for a loved one who can’t care for themselves there are risks involved. The extra work and pressure of taking care of a parent can be difficult to manage; the role reversal can be emotionally and financially devastating. If the caregiver is also a parent, the stresses are magnified as the individual tries to spread himself or herself too thin. Adding to the stress and exhaustion is the risk of mistakes. When a caregiver is doing their best but isn’t properly trained, errors can lead to tragic results. Fortunately, more and more agencies recognize the need to help these caregivers and are offering caregiver training programs to individuals.
Most commonly, adults are now caregivers when their parents suffer from poor health or develop Alzheimer’s Disease. Both of these situations may require round-the-clock supervision, the administration of medications and a great deal of patience. Caregiver training programs can provide these caregivers with coping skills, strategic methods for maintaining a schedule and better ways of communicating effectively with their loved one.
The best caregiver training programs will cover both the physical and psychological concerns of the caregiver and the person being cared for. Some common topics that are covered in training programs include personal care techniques, including how to bathe a bedridden individual and various hygiene routines.
Individuals will also be introduced to the proper way to administer medications, prevent bedsores, monitor vital signs and encourage and support exercise routines. Infection prevention and control may also be discussed for individuals caring for someone who is ill. Wheelchair safety and proper methods of moving another person ensure that the chance of injury is minimized for both the caregiver and the care recipient.
Coping mechanisms to deal with emotional and mental health issues are also taught in caregiver training programs. No matter how much an individual loves someone, there are times when looking after someone who doesn’t recognize you or repeatedly yells at you can be overwhelming. Often, the caregiver ends up suffering as much as the person they are caring for because they become tired and overburdened.
Effective communication, dignity and respect are also stressed in caregiver training. This includes remembering the fears and concerns of the person being cared for and balancing it properly against the needs and fears of the caregiver. When the worries of the caregiver are addressed properly, there are fewer mistakes and less resentment.
Anyone who is a caregiver for another individual should talk to their local mental health or elder care agency to find out about programs in their area. Many programs are available that combine group instruction, books and DVD’s for an interesting and informative lesson format that can give the caregiver additional confidence and knowledge.
Group classes are also valuable because they allow caregivers to meet others who are in the same situation they are in. Mutual support and understanding can go a long way in giving the participants an outlet for their frustration. Of course, the people who benefit the most from caregiver training programs are the individuals who are receiving better, more thoughtful care.
