CAREGIVING WITH A LOVING TOUCH
By Nancy Dutton

Caregiving requires
Listening and a loving touch
Special time together.

Part-time caregiving of family and friends shows up in many forms. Opportunities exist to give care to people in the dying process, people with low vision and hearing loss, people with Alzheimer’s, and people recovering from surgery or injuries.

As a part-time caregiver, remind the care recipient that their physical situation does not diminish their value as a human being. Encourage the person to do whatever makes them feel good and independent, if possible. Laughter is great medicine. Gentle massage soothes those who enjoy touch.

I have helped several care recipients with various degrees of low vision. Some of them want the caregiver to gently hold their elbow and guide them where to walk. A slow, unhurried pace is preferred. If possible, stop at curbs slightly in front of them, so they know where the curb is. Many people with low vision enjoy using a cane. Ask their preference, if they want you to hold their arm or if they want to walk independently, with you there as a safety net…

If the person is housebound and if their vision and physical ability allows, I encourage them to do something they enjoy, such as writing, painting, looking at photographs or scrapbooking. I have found that creative activities increase a sense of well-being and provide a distraction from problems.

Before automatically rushing to help a care recipient, ask first if they want your help. Listen to their needs, not what you think you would like in this situation. Their needs and wishes could be totally opposite from yours.

When helping non-family members to doctors’ appointments, you should always ask the person if they would like you to join them during the doctor visit or if they wish for you to sit outside in the waiting room.

Taking good care of yourself, the caregiver, is also important. Ask someone to relieve you and go walk around the block, do something with a friend, or whatever brings you joy. This will help you feel better and recharge your battery, so you will be have more energy and be in a better mood.

Rewards for the caregiver are immense. It is heart-warming to see a smile on someone’s face as they relay tender stories about their life. Priceless is the feeling of helping someone who needs your assistance. A caregiver lightens the load and provides daily living support. The care recipient feels valued, loved and cherished with the attention provided by a considerate caregiver.

Nancy Dutton is the author of the Book of Animal Poetry, http://www.nancysworld.us.

Excerpts from articlei first printed in the November/December 2010 issue of CAREConnections, Boulder County Aging Services