Joan McDonald RN, CareConnect & The Care Guide
A caregiver is a person who is providing informal and unpaid personal care support/help to another person living with challenges due to a disability, illness, an injury and/or aging. Often this overwhelming experience results in stress, anxiety and fatigue.
As a caregiver, you need to consider the following for those you care for:
- Needs – level of care required
- Preferences – wants, desires
- Support Network – help that family and friends can provide
- Eligibility for Services (CCAC)
- Availability – options in the community
- Finances – affordability
Joan explained how to manage these symptoms, as well as:
- tips for managing dementia
- protecting yourself from the physical impact of caregiving (transfers, assistive devices)
- how to apply for financial assistance and tax credits
Joan’s presentation was part of the Passport to Wellness for Family Caregivers workshop on October 21, 2012.
