Jamaicans say “trouble nuh set like rain.” In other words: “Life happens!” We always have a big, bright vision for the future but sometimes we meet up on challenges we didn’t see coming.
This can look like developing a chronic illness, a mental disorder or being injured in some traumatic incident like a car crash. Sometimes it’s not us, but our loved ones. We may have a mom who develops Alzheimer’s or a beautiful baby boy with special needs.
Having a strong support system can go a far way in easing the strain. When it comes to having a dedicated caregiver, though, quality should outweigh availability.
This is especially the case when care is being provided for a child or adult with special needs and with illnesses that affect brain functioning like Alzheimer’s disease.
A willing cousin from the country or town could be just what the family needs to help. But not so fast, let’s examine some of the attributes of a quality caregiver.
Knowledgeable and Teachable
A good understanding of your loved one’s condition and needs is essential to being a good caregiver. This does not necessarily require formal certification but rather a willingness and ability to learn and
It can be daunting to consider hiring a professional caregiver especially because of the cost. Ignorance though, can be devastatingly costly to the wellbeing of vulnerable persons. Willingness alone is not a good criterion for choosing a caregiver. Being teachable is also vital. There are some things we can teach someone and there are some things that are harder to teach. Consider carefully.
When we understand a condition, it often allows us to put ourselves in someone else’s position and be kinder to them.
Patience & Compassion
This is key! Some persons are unable to carry out basic adaptive functions that we take for granted. A person with Cerebral Palsy for example may have difficulty controlling their bowels. Persons with dementias such as Alzheimer’s, can wander out of the home, show increasing levels of aggression and can make accusations which are hurtful and untrue. This can be highly frustrating for any caregiver. Is your cousin likely to show care for your loved one even when it’s costing them in physical and emotional energy? If s/he is likely to be patient, then good. But avoid the temptation to let money choose for you. Free or cheap isn’t always better. If you absolutely have no other choice, then be explicit in stating what will and will not be acceptable. Where possible, also use technology to help you stay vigilant.
To read more, please purchase a copy of Buzzz Caribbean Lifestyle Magazine Vol 10 #10 in a store near you.
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Written by: Kamala McWhinney
Jamaicans say “trouble nuh set like rain.” In other words: “Life happens!” We always have a big, bright vision for the future but sometimes we meet up on challenges we didn’t see coming.
This can look like developing a chronic illness, a mental disorder or being injured in some traumatic incident like a car crash. Sometimes it’s not us, but our loved ones. We may have a mom who develops Alzheimer’s or a beautiful baby boy with special needs.
Having a strong support system can go a far way in easing the strain. When it comes to having a dedicated caregiver, though, quality should outweigh availability.
This is especially the case when care is being provided for a child or adult with special needs and with illnesses that affect brain functioning like Alzheimer’s disease.
A willing cousin from the country or town could be just what the family needs to help. But not so fast, let’s examine some of the attributes of a quality caregiver.
Knowledgeable and Teachable
A good understanding of your loved one’s condition and needs is essential to being a good caregiver. This does not necessarily require formal certification but rather a willingness and ability to learn and
It can be daunting to consider hiring a professional caregiver especially because of the cost. Ignorance though, can be devastatingly costly to the wellbeing of vulnerable persons. Willingness alone is not a good criterion for choosing a caregiver. Being teachable is also vital. There are some things we can teach someone and there are some things that are harder to teach. Consider carefully.
Patience & Compassion
This is key! Some persons are unable to carry out basic adaptive functions that we take for granted. A person with Cerebral Palsy for example may have difficulty controlling their bowels. Persons with dementias such as Alzheimer’s, can wander out of the home, show increasing levels of aggression and can make accusations which are hurtful and untrue. This can be highly frustrating for any caregiver. Is your cousin likely to show care for your loved one even when it’s costing them in physical and emotional energy? If s/he is likely to be patient, then good. But avoid the temptation to let money choose for you. Free or cheap isn’t always better. If you absolutely have no other choice, then be explicit in stating what will and will not be acceptable. Where possible, also use technology to help you stay vigilant.
To read more, please purchase a copy of Buzzz Caribbean Lifestyle Magazine Vol 10 #10 in a store near you.
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