Deborah DeCairos Grandmaitre, M.Ed., CCC

Canadian Certified Counsellor

Caregivers Role

Caregivers may be providing care by:

• visiting
• shopping
• driving or arranging transportation
• arranging appointments
• maintaining a home
• preparing meals
• grocery shopping
• housecleaning
• banking, paying bills
• coordinating community services
• bathing, toileting, dressing, feeding

The type and amount of assistance you are able to give depends on:

• knowing what the person needs
• knowing what you are physically and emotionally capable of giving.

Tips to Consider in the Early Stages of Caregiving

• Talk to other informal caregivers as to the expectations of both caregiver and care receiver - what they like or dislike about caregiving.
• Talk to members of your own family. They deserve to talk about their feelings and how your care of this person will affect them.
• Take time to decide if you can provide care for this person. It may be a long-term commitment. Are you ready for it?
• How do you feel about caring for this person? Are you caring out of guilt?

Questions to Ask Yourself

• Have I thought about what care I will provide?
• Do I have the time?
• Will I care for this person in my home?
• Is the home safely secure for this disabled person?
• How has my relationship been with this person in the past, and how is it now?

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References

1. Canadian Medical Association
2. Canadian Psychological Association
3. Canadian Psychiatric Association
4. www.caringtotheend.com (Princess Margaret Hospital, University Health Network)
5. The City of Ottawa
6. FM-CFS Canada - Resources for Family, Care-Givers
7. MS Society Ontario
8. Ottawa Pastoral Care Course
9. www.phac-aspc.gc.ca
10. Tapestry House