372 - Caring

Ken and Carlos both sound as though they will be discussing their experiences of caring for a loved one with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.

Think of a similar scenario that you have witnessed during your clinical experiences or before nursing school. How did you feel about the dynamic between the caregiver and the one receiving care?

Carol F. mentions that in caring for her mother, she found that she needed “someone from the outside to come in and give [her] a break”. This practice is known as Respite Care and can involve employed caregivers coming into the home environment to provide temporary relief for the client’s caregivers.

What emotions do you suspect that a family caregiver may experience in caring for a loved one? Consider both positive and negative emotions.

In caring for his wife, Ken discusses how he has experienced feelings of irritability, resentment, and lack of control.

What is a an example of a specific lifestyle change that a caregiver might need to undergo when caring for a loved one?

Carol M. describes how she was initially very reluctant to ask for help in caring for her husband. In recognizing that many family members are unlikely to request supportive care services when they are needed, it becomes important for the nurse to be effective in identifying when this may be the case.

What is a sign of caregiver stress that the nurse may note in a caregiver experiencing role strain?

Consider the personal experiences that Ken, Carlos, Carol F., Carol M., Linda, and Marjorie describe.

What is particular benefit that palliative care may have for:

*these caregivers?

*the individuals who are receiving care?