Caregiving for People Living with an Advancing Illness
Caregiving can be both a rewarding and difficult experience. When caregiving goes on for a long period of time, or when there are specific challenges in providing care, a caregiver may feel taxed and stressed. Feeling frustrated and upset can have serious consequences for both the caregiver, the person they are caring for and other family members, and is an important sign that it is time to seek help.
Learning new strategies in caring for the person and in caring for yourself can help to reduce stress. The Home Health nurse can teach family and caregivers useful approaches and techniques to give comfort care, and make practical suggestions to address any symptoms and caregiving concerns.
Providing Comfort Care
Effective end-of-life care communication with the person who is dying, the doctor and health-care providers, friends, family and visitors is essential to offering psychological and emotional support.
We recommend you explore various topics that support your emotional health, such as self assessment, reflection and self care.
Discover the essential step-by-step practical instructions in how to provide physical care for someone who can no longer help his or herself. Topics include bathing, giving medications, care for hair, skin and mouth, preventing bed sores, eating, toileting and sleep.
Talk to the doctor and community health professionals about any physical symptoms of concern.
LEAP™ Carers online course
LEAP™ Carers is a free, online, self-learning course that provides carers with information and resources to help them provide care to their family or friends living with a serious illness.
Caregiving is a role that most caregivers are thrust into with little to no preparation or training. LEAP™ Carers provides important information, practical training and resources for family caregivers who support those facing life-limiting illnesses. Topics include: navigating the health care system, advance care planning, how to provide personal care and hygiene with dignity, end of life and medication management, caregiver communication and advocacy skills as well as self-care strategies.
Thousands of volunteers of all ages work alongside our staff across our region. Read how volunteers are making a difference in delivering outstanding care.
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