MS Caregivers
Too often caregivers forget about themselves. Forget about what
they want or need and too often focus only on the person who they are helping.
When this happens, they are not only cheating themselves in a major way, but they are also cheating all those that they love, friends and family, since their personalities get "lost" in the daily grind of all that is happening or what is scheduled for a particular day.
We all do this even when we are not caregivers, but caregivers do it much much more often. So, this area is not only going to cover tips and ideas on what they can do to help those that they are helping, but on ways they can help THEMSELVES.
Out of all three major areas on this website, this one will be the one where we hope to get the most imput on how to make this website better.
When care-giving for someone with MS, here are some ideas from the National Family Caregivers Association and the National Multiple Sclerosis Society:
1.)
Educate Yourself. Learn as much as you can about MS and the treatment that is available. Knowing the options can empower you and your loved ones to make the best decisions regarding their care.
2.)
Connect With Others. Caregivers can feel as if they are completely on their own and that no one else can't possibly understand, or won't understand what they're going through. Connecting with other caregivers, either in a support group or through online message boards and chats, can help prevent the anxiety and agitation that can be felt. Being around or talking with others can also help you see your situation from anothers' point of view, brainstorm new solutions for coping with MS related issues, or just help you to know that you are not alone.
3.)
Say Yes to Help. So many caregivers think that they have to take care of 100% of everything...it is such a common mistake that is made that it should be
priority number 1 for caregivers to remember that they need to ask for help sometimes. Instead of turning down offers of help, say yes and be ready to explain specifics. Do you need someone to stay with your loved one while you go shopping once a week? Could you use help with transport to and from doctor's? A casserole or other ready-to-eat item for days when cooking seems out of the question? Whatever it is, don't be afraid to ask. People often want to help but don't know how. In addition, the National MS Society has a website with phone numbers and links and would be more than happy to help with your area's contacts on those who can also help.
4.)
Get a Guide. There is no need to feel as though you are sailing into uncharted water as a caregiver. Whether your MS caregiving question is small or big, the National MS Society has established a toll free hotline (1*800*344*4867) staffed with Navigators who can help steer you toward the information or resources that you need.
5.)
Promote Independence. Be open to technologies and ideas that allow your loved one to be as independent as possible. Not only will he or she appreciate the freedom to accomplish some things, but you'll be allowed more time to concentrate on other things.
With today's stressful lifestyles, it's important to have time that you
take to do something just for the fun of it. While there are many great
hobbies to choose from, this is a list of hobbies that are particularly
useful in relieving stress. Learn about the benefits of each, and find
resources to get started on a new great hobby for stress relief this
week! To read full article visit here:
http://stress.about.com/od/funandgames/tp/hobby.htm
Our Heart Greeting and The Buzz is such an amazing website, not only for those of us who have MS, but also for anyone who knows someone with MS. It is where a lot of us go to express ourselves in which ever form it takes us. Caretakers are ALWAYS welcome.
Click on the banner below to visit:
Health Boards (Health Message Board) has an array of health topics and those who are going through them, including MS. They always love to hear from caregivers to either laugh with or to try to help. I have a few links below are are still viable. We will come back four times a year to check on them to make sure they stay that way.
http://www.healthboards.com/boards/index.php?gclid=CPPJso23sJkCFQETGgodXWjN5gor
http://www.msworld.org/html/index.htmand
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/
Empowering Caregivers ~
Empowering Caregivers is celebrating its eleventh year as we continue to serve caregivers throughout the world. Our
message boards and chats are active and are a great emotional support
to those who participate. Our database of caregiving related articles
continues to expand through the generous contributions of many in the
field of caregiving.http://www.care-givers.com/pages/current.html