Caregiver Center
For the people caring for someone they love.
Practical guidance for caregivers: safe transfers, burnout prevention, medication, and emotional support.
Guides & articles
Caregiver Health: MedlinePlus
Being a caregiver can be very rewarding, but it can also be stressful and overwhelming. This stress, called caregiver stress, can lead to health problems like depression, anxiety, and a weaker immune system. To avoid these issues, it's important for caregivers to take care of themselves by learning new caregiving skills, finding community support, asking for help, joining support groups, staying organized, and keeping up with their own health and social life. Remember, taking care of yourself allows you to better care for your loved one.
Source: MedlinePlus (NLM)
Caring for yourself while caring for others | NIH MedlinePlus Magazine
Being a caregiver for a loved one can be very rewarding, but it's also important to take care of yourself. Many caregivers get so focused on others that they forget their own needs, which can lead to stress and health problems. Remember that taking care of yourself isn't selfish; it helps you be a better caregiver. You can ask friends and family for help, take short breaks to recharge, and make sure you keep up with your own doctor's appointments. It's okay to feel many emotions, and if you're overwhelmed, talking to a counselor or joining a support group can help.
Source: MedlinePlus (NLM)
getting started caregiving
getting started caregiving
Source: National Institutes of Health
frequently asked questions about caregiving
frequently asked questions about caregiving
Source: National Institutes of Health
Caregiver Involvement in Managing Medications among Older Adults with Multiple Chronic Conditions - PMC
This study looked at how caregivers help older adults with many health problems manage their medications. They found three main ways caregivers are involved: some are very active, some help out only when needed (even if the patient doesn't always want it), and some are not involved at all because the older adult handles their own medications. The study highlights that older adults often want to manage their own medicines, and caregivers usually respect this until they worry about safety. Doctors should talk to both patients and caregivers to understand who is doing what and how they can work together to manage medications safely.
Source: National Library of Medicine
Family involvement in managing medications of older patients across transitions of care: a systematic review - PMC
Family members often help older adults manage their medications, especially when moving between different care settings like hospitals and home. This help includes giving and getting information, making decisions, and handling complex medication schedules. However, healthcare workers don't always recognize the important role families play. Communication about medication plans is often messy, and families feel their concerns aren't always heard. To improve this, healthcare professionals should involve families more through meetings and discussions during hospital stays and when patients are discharged.
Source: National Library of Medicine
Exploring the Benefits of Respite Services to Family Caregivers: Methodological Issues and Current Findings - PMC
This article discusses how to best study the benefits of respite care for family caregivers. It points out that while randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are often seen as the best way to do research, they can be difficult to conduct effectively in real-world community settings due to issues like small sample sizes. The authors suggest that other research methods, like quasi-experimental designs, can also provide reliable information about how well respite services work. They believe that focusing only on RCTs prevents us from learning more about these important services.
Source: National Library of Medicine
Helping from miles away: Strategies for long-distance caregiving | NIH MedlinePlus Magazine
Being a long-distance caregiver means helping a loved one who lives far away, which can involve managing their money, doctor visits, and offering comfort. To do this well, you should learn about their health, organize important papers, and visit them when you can. It's also helpful to build a local support team for your loved one and stay in close touch with them and their other caregivers. Remember to be ready to change your plans as their needs change.
Source: MedlinePlus (NLM)