Becoming A Family Caregiver

Family Caregivers Are Expected to Be “Nurses” with No Experience

   “Family caregivers want training and a place to turn for support which is why there is a need for Becoming a Family CaregiverA person who provides needed help to someone of any age who is ill or injured and unable to care for themselves.  They may provide emotional support, physical assistance, financial assistance, or other types of help…. More (BFC). “

There is a serious flaw in the healthcareefforts made to maintain or restore physical, mental, or emotional well-being especially by trained and licensed professionals… More system. Without training, education, or support, familyThe basic unit in society traditionally consisted of two parents and their children but the family has now been expanded to include any of various social units differing from but regarded as equivalent to the traditional family…. More members assume the role of primary caregivers for the chronically and seriously ill or injured. With few instructions, the family caregiver is expected to heal and recover the one under their care. The caregiver is left feeling alone and without support.  

Negative Impact on Family Member and Caregiver

 The result of that abandonment is a negative toll on the health of the caregiver and the ill relative.  As the “Caregiving in the US 2020 Chart” on the left shows, caregivers (23%)  become sick over time due to neglecting their own health. Other statistics show that patients experience an increase in infections, skin breakdown, and complications after discharge from the hospital when their caregivers are unfamilar with care duties.

Recognized Need for Training and Education for Family Members

 As a former nurse and a caregiver myself for close to thirty years, I recognize the need to bridge the gap between healthcare and homecareCare provided in the home, usually by unpaid family members for caregivers. I want to bring training and support to family caregivers that shows them how to perform healthcare procedures at home.  But not only do I want to provide the training, I want to be there to answer their questions later, when they need help troubleshooting situations not covered by the training they received. They need someone to call and I’m willing to be that person because I know what it’s like. 

Furthermore, I know that most people feel more comfortable doing something if they see it done first.  Therefore, I’ve collected a lot of Youtube videos to help them do just that with step by step instructions to follow in writing on my site to use as they do the procedures.  My goal is to provide “one-stop shopping” to save caregivers time.

BFC Can Be Your Solution   

 As a resource, it can be your “go-to” place for information, questions, and support.  As a fellow caregiver, I can walk beside you as you cross over that bridge from novice to experienced and give you the encouragement you need along the way. Let me lend you a hand up.

Donna Steigleder

Author, Becoming A Family Caregiver