Every day the need to prioritize the care of the elderly is gaining strength in the world, attending to the gradual aging of the population, which in turn adds ailments typical of that process that requires caregivers from which mothers, fathers, grandmothers and many others do not escape and many others willing to help. That is why it is so important to be aware that professional care is not a task for untrained people and requires a realistic assessment of the situation in which a person requires assistance.
The caregiver of an elderly person or a person who requires it due to a condition, whether by a nurse or family member, must bear in mind that this can affect their health. How to take care of them then, while taking charge of this great responsibility? Specialists recommend that, in this type of rather slow process, it is usually difficult to draw a limit, but you must try not to lose contact with yourself and pay attention to your own well-being.
Do you take care of a sick person at home?
You must bear in mind that not assuming it in a measured way can have consequences for the future. Many caregivers end up becoming people who need to be cared for. Knowing how to organize to assume it is essential, as well as looking for support in an itinerant care service of people capable of guiding.
Pauses are important, delegating other tasks and also wondering how much time you can and want to dedicate. Most people in need of assistance are often relieved if they can take some of the burden off their loved ones.
Migraines, back pain, lack of sleep and other psychosomatic disorders accompany this great task. Many times it is family members who want to take care of their loved ones for as long as possible, some couples made a promise to take care of each other in old age and it is something difficult to break.
As part of the sociocultural project of the birthplace of Carlos J. Finlay, the space Learning to live with Parkinson’s is included, an activity aimed at patients suffering from the disease, but with special treatment for family members and caregivers, as well as all those interested in knowing the characteristics and treatment of this disease.
Art therapy brings together patients with intellectual, cognitive, sensory disabilities or mental disorders, who, through social rehabilitation, achieve a better functioning of the logical processes of thought, memory, attention, action and concentration. These people are accompanied in many cases by a family member who is also part of the dynamic.
Our country constitutes a very evident example of the stimulation of the caregiver service and it is not for fun that November 5th is dedicated to commemorate these people.
Translated by: Aileen Álvarez García
