Planning Ahead – The Role of Spouse & Caregiver
Understanding the Scope of Care-Giving – How and Where to Find Help
Aug 7, 2009
Caring for a spouse who suddenly becomes ill or injured can be a stressful experience. Most people – especially younger couples – don't plan ahead in the event they might need in-home care during a long-term medical crisis. Health plans should be discussed in detail, including how and when the couple will hire a caregiver in the likelihood one partner may suffer long-term illness or a permanent disabling condition.
Care-giving is usually associated with growing old. Seniors may discuss the need for caregivers prior to retirement living, making their own plans ahead of time so family members won't have to bear the burden of choosing long-term care. But couples of any age can play it smart by being prepared for an extensive medical situation.
Basic Jobs Performed by a Caregiver
A spouse may one day be diagnosed with a chronic illness or suffer an injury that takes months of recovery. Here is a basic list of caregiver duties an inexperienced primary caregiver may face when a spouse becomes ill or injured:
- Medical duties. Changing dressings, administering medications, monitoring oxygen, and helping with program exercises.
- Personal care. Bathing, dressing, hygiene, toileting, and whatever else the partner routinely requires.
- Organizing outpatient therapy appointments and doctor visits. Organizing means more than scheduling; it also includes getting the person ready to go, driving to the appointment or arranging transportation, and managing any equipment and/or devices.
- Housekeeping. The person's room must be kept clean and orderly, including frequent changes of linens, towels, pads, etc.
- Medical equipment care. Equipment must be kept cleaned and maintained, including any respiratory devices, mobility equipment, tools for therapy and/or exercise, and so forth. Wheelchairs must be maintained and power chairs need regular charging.
- Eating. This may involve a special diet, food preparation, feeding, and perhaps maintenance of a feeding tube.
Many of the tasks mentioned above have to be performed daily – and some during the night. A spouse who takes on the additional role of caregiver must consider not only the extra work involved, but also the needs of the rest of the family if there are children at home. Add employment obligations and personal needs, and the workload for the well spouse suddenly becomes overwhelming.
It makes sense to plan ahead and make care-giving decisions while both partners can think rationally and clearly.
Know in Advance How and Where to Get Caregiver Help
Shown below are some possible sources for temporary or live-in caregiver help. Health insurance may cover some the home caregiver cost (check the policy), but the number of hours allowed per week most certainly will be limited.
Other sources for caregiver help:
- Caregiver agencies. Professional agencies usually offer private duty aides, respite care workers, companions, and sitters, just to name a few choices.
- Family support. This works well when two or three family members can take turns managing the care-giving duties.
- Church volunteers. Don't overlook members who are willing to provide caregiver help.
- Center for Independent Living. The local CIL should be able to provide caregiver information, including contacts for personal care attendants.
- Rehabilitation facilities. The social services office will have information regarding caregiver support programs.
- Hospital social service case workers. The workers can usually provide leads to caregiver service providers.
- Local volunteer organizations. Service organizations and religious groups such as Catholic Charities may be able to provide volunteer help.
- Universities that have medical programs. A medical student may be willing to work as a caregiver for a certain number of hours per day in exchange for room and board.
- Caregiver support groups. Members can offer suggestions for caregiver help as well as provide information on many other issues.
The best solution is simply to plan ahead. Partners can discuss options and preferences for care-giving before the need arises. No one wants to think an accident or illness will happen to him, but it pays to be prepared. Having a caregiver plan in place not only offers peace of mind, but it also ensures an informed decision can be made during a time of crisis.
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