Recently I stumbled across the website CaregiverHelp.com. CaregiverHelp.com is founded by Elaine Sanchez, who has authored a book about being a caregiver, and her husband Dr. Alex Sanchz, a lifelong educator. This website has lots of useful and entertaining five-minute videos on caregiving topics such as caregiver anger, guilt, depression, and grief. I liked the title of one of the videos — The 3 F’s of Flipping Out. (The 3 F’s are fear, fatigue, and frustration, by the way.)
You can find a link to the videos here:
www.caregiverhelp.com/caregiver-videos-m1s1/
Each “module” of videos has an online workbook that you can view and print.
Recently Brain Support Network volunteer Denise Dagan looked over the videos. Here’s what she has to say…
I highly recommend these videos!
The videos start with a self-assessment to see whether you, as a caregiver, are suffering caregiver burnout.
Then, they explain caregiver stress can shortening your life by 10 years! You may have heard long-term caregivers often die before the person they’re caring for. The lessons in this video series will teach you how to cope with the stress as well as is humanly possible, and even become a stronger person.
They teach a simple 3-step process that can be applied to every concept the series covers — anger, guilt, depression, and grief.
Step 1 – Awareness: Identify specific issues that upset you. Most efficiently by writing it down.
Step 2 – Acceptance: This can be hard because we often think there is a solution, but sometimes we have to accept there is nothing we can do.
Step 3 – Action: Either try some (or all) of the options suggested in each video and worksheet, or learn to let it go.
Each concept (anger, guilt, depression, and grief) has its own module of videos and worksheets to print. These short writing assignments walk you through the three steps as they apply to each concept. It’s brilliant because you’re learning a single tool you are able to apply to all types of challenges commonly, and repeatedly, encountered by long-term caregivers.
The last two modules are informative and action-centered:
“Dementia Issues, Caregiver Support for Sex, Violence and other Dementia Issues,” outlines some challenging behaviors and provides insights into how to adjust and adapt to help someone who has suffered those changes, including the basic Do’s & Don’ts.
“Self-Care, a Survival Plan” has 8 worksheets and several videos outlining specific ways to reduce stress, such as:
– Arrange respite
– Ensure you have the proper medical equipment on hand
– Find humor everywhere
– Say goodbye before its too late
– Watch the module 5 videos about preparatory grief
– Understand you only have control over your attitude
– Nurture your spirit
– Reminisce with family
– Stay social
– Get some exercise
– Choose healthful food.
Whether the issues that upset you are caused by other family members, the medical community, or the disease itself, these videos, the information provided, and the tools they teach will help you manage the sometimes overwhelming feelings that are inevitable for long-term caregivers.
Denise