CU Nursing - Spring/Summer 2021 - 11

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COLLEGE

FEAR OF ACCESS LEADS TO HOME CARE

CAREGIVERS NEED TIME FOR THEMSELVES

Post-pandemic, families are choosing to care for loved
ones at home because of the fear they won't have access
to them. " I didn't want to miss out on opportunities to see
my mother. I was also worried that her condition would
deteriorate because she was being restricted to her room
as the facility sought to limit the potential for the virus to
spread, " said Mitchell.

Earlix said, " Family caregivers take on so much - from cooking and
cleaning to managing medications, looking after finances, and managing doctor appointments. Doing it all for someone you love can be
beautiful and fulfilling, but it can also cause fatigue and feelings of guilt
or worry. It's important to know when a break is needed. "

Of course, like the majority of Americans, Mitchell
thought the living arrangements would be weeks, maybe
months, not more than a year. " But Bristol helped prepare
me, " said Mitchell. " It's been extremely challenging - especially from a caregiver's perspective. Education and
knowledge of what to expect in taking care of a loved
one who has dementia are so important. "

CHALLENGES OF CARING FOR LOVED ONES
For Mitchell, taking care of her mother on a daily basis
was a rude awakening. " It was life-changing for her, me,
and the family. But I learned a lot. And Bristol has helped
me through this transition with education and support. "

Taking time for self-care can do wonders not only for your well-being
but also for the relationship with your loved one. " Because every family's situation is different, it's important to empower caregivers and
provide them with a number of options for support, " said Dammann.
For Mitchell, " Just allowing me to have a conversation with other adults
has been a lifeline. "
Practical guides for facing family caregiver challenges are available
through national hospice organizations, hospitals, and facilities like
Bristol. Learning more about compassion fatigue, preparing for care,
taking care of yourself as a caregiver can help when taking on the
caregiver role.
Despite the challenges for Mitchell, 2020 has had many silver linings, " Even
though it's been difficult, I can hug my mom. I have friends who have
family members who can't even visit their loved ones, " said Mitchell.

According to Mitchell, University of
Colorado College of Nursing student
and Certified Nursing Assistant Kerith
Earlix was invaluable. " She would visit
regularly and help me with everyday
tasks like bathing, feeding, toileting,
etc. I had no idea what I was doing
when I started. It was like dealing
with a newborn. Everything was new
to me and I didn't have the skills, but
with the help of Kerith and Bristol, I
learned how to take care of my mother
properly. "
Many caregivers aren't aware that
in-home care and adult care centers
offer respite care for families in this
situation. " Caring for the needs of a
critically ill relative can mean sleepless nights and added stress as the
pandemic rages, " said Earlix. Adhering
to public health restrictions can add to
the burden and make caregivers feel
even more isolated and less likely to
take a break.
Celebrating three generations of one family - Becky, Ardith and Debbie

CU Nursing - Spring/Summer 2021

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