- Sleepless in Largo
Suncoast Hospice provides supportive counseling to caregivers like yourself. For more information about our caregiver counseling contact us at 727-523-2440.
Monday, March 22, 2010
Sleepless nights
Q: I am taking care of my husband who is up and down all night and wants me to sleep next to him. I get zero sleep at night. In the afternoons, friends and family come over so that I may get a chance to rest but as soon as I am asleep, someone wakes me because my husband wants me around all of the time. I’m exhausted and can’t do it anymore. Any ideas?
- Sleepless in Largo
A: Take comfort in knowing that you are not alone. Often times care recipients tend to prefer the care of someone they know best, such as a spouse, rather than less familiar family members and friends. It sounds like you have a support network of friends and family that is willing to help. Perhaps you could make a list of ways you calm your husband during his restless periods and share with your friends and family who want to help. There may be other ways to calm your husband such as playing calm music or swapping “remember when” stories. In addition, some people are calmed by massage or gentle touch. If your husband likes his back rubbed perhaps he'd allow other family members and/or friends to provide a calming touch. Try to set aside some time for yourself. You cannot do everything. If you don’t get rest, you will not be able to give the best care to him.
Suncoast Hospice provides supportive counseling to caregivers like yourself. For more information about our caregiver counseling contact us at 727-523-2440.
- Sleepless in Largo
Suncoast Hospice provides supportive counseling to caregivers like yourself. For more information about our caregiver counseling contact us at 727-523-2440.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Asking Help for Myself
Q: I have been the caregiver for my elderly parents the past 8 years. I am single and an only child with no other family except my Mother. She moved in with me several months ago after my father died so it is now the two of us. Mom is living with diabetes and her third bout of breast cancer. Mom is cared for and safe so I am confessing that I am the one needing help. Thank you for any advice.
~ Anoymous Caregiver
A: I am so glad that you are reaching out for support. There are several areas that I suggest be explored for assistance. First, as a long time caregiver you might feel challenged by the responsibilities and stressors associated with caring for another person. Many caregivers tell me they often feel isolatated and a loss of self. You may want to contact Suncoast Hospice to learn about available resources for caregivers including our Caregiver Coffee Breaks.
When you have the opportunity to sit and reflect about your father's death, you may find you are experiencing some of the physical, emotional, social and spiritual responses to loss. Suncoast Hospice can provide you information on grief and the grieving process as well as information about our individual grief counseling and bereavement support groups. These services are provided at our three community service centers and groups are available on different days and at different times.
It is never too soon to contact Suncoast Hospice to ask question about care options for your mother. We will come to you to discuss your needs and options available. For more information please call (727) HOSPICE (367-4673).
~ Anoymous Caregiver
A: I am so glad that you are reaching out for support. There are several areas that I suggest be explored for assistance. First, as a long time caregiver you might feel challenged by the responsibilities and stressors associated with caring for another person. Many caregivers tell me they often feel isolatated and a loss of self. You may want to contact Suncoast Hospice to learn about available resources for caregivers including our Caregiver Coffee Breaks.When you have the opportunity to sit and reflect about your father's death, you may find you are experiencing some of the physical, emotional, social and spiritual responses to loss. Suncoast Hospice can provide you information on grief and the grieving process as well as information about our individual grief counseling and bereavement support groups. These services are provided at our three community service centers and groups are available on different days and at different times.
It is never too soon to contact Suncoast Hospice to ask question about care options for your mother. We will come to you to discuss your needs and options available. For more information please call (727) HOSPICE (367-4673).
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
No Money for Burial
Q: What if a family does not have enough money to bury their family member?
- Anonymous Caregiver
A: Thank you so much for writing into our Caregiver Panel for Caregivers. It sounds as though you are in process of having to make some challenging decisions. If you are living in Pinellas County, you and your family may be eligible for burial assistance through Pinellas County Health & Human Services. The office in St. Petersburg is 727-582-7781 and the office in Clearwater is 727-464-8400. Veterans may have burial benefits available. You can call Veterans Funeral Care (they have offices everywhere) and for free, they will guide you through accessing benefits available to you. Call 1-800-467-7850.
There are funeral homes that assist people with limited financial resources. There are also low cost cremations and other arrangements available. Funeral homes encourage you to call and ask what is available for people with limited financial resources. You can also contact your local Funeral Director's Association for more information. There is an application process that the funeral home will help you through.
Suncoast Hospice provides a variety of services for caregivers and those whom they are caring for. If you would like to know more about services and would like someone to meet with you and discuss all that is available please contact us at 727-HOSPICE (467-7423)
- Anonymous Caregiver
There are funeral homes that assist people with limited financial resources. There are also low cost cremations and other arrangements available. Funeral homes encourage you to call and ask what is available for people with limited financial resources. You can also contact your local Funeral Director's Association for more information. There is an application process that the funeral home will help you through.
Suncoast Hospice provides a variety of services for caregivers and those whom they are caring for. If you would like to know more about services and would like someone to meet with you and discuss all that is available please contact us at 727-HOSPICE (467-7423)
Friday, February 26, 2010
I'm interested in joining a caregiver support group
Q: I am interested in joining a caregiver’s support group. My father is very sick and I am having a really hard time coping.
-Anonymous
A: Taking care of loved ones can certainly be quite difficult. Often there is a silver lining, even if you don't see it yourself. Suncoast Hospice provides caregiver support groups called, “Caregiver Coffee Breaks.” Caregiver Coffee Break support groups are offered throughout Pinellas County, including at each Suncoast Hospice Community Service Center (St. Petersburg, Clearwater and Palm Harbor). Facilitators are trained hospice professionals with a background in social work nursing or spiritual care.
Please click here for the Caregiver Coffee Break schedule.
Many caregivers who attend feel that the most helpful part of the Caregiver Coffee Break is listening and sharing stories with each other. Attendees also support and encourage each other, often sharing some helpful useful tips. Our caregiver coffee breaks are available to anyone providing care to someone with an advanced illness.
-Anonymous
Please click here for the Caregiver Coffee Break schedule.
Many caregivers who attend feel that the most helpful part of the Caregiver Coffee Break is listening and sharing stories with each other. Attendees also support and encourage each other, often sharing some helpful useful tips. Our caregiver coffee breaks are available to anyone providing care to someone with an advanced illness.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
I often feel "burned out"
Q: My husband has had leukemia for 8 years. Even though he has physically declined in the past year he is still able to take care of most of his physical needs. He is frustrated and irritable because he has to depend on me to meet his social and emotional needs. I often feel kind of “burned out” since I have to turn down many social invitations and really can’t have family visit because of his decreased immune system. Does Hospice offer any services for persons in our situation?
-Anonymous
A: Caregivers are often"burned out" by the challenges, stress and responsibilities associated with caring for another person with a debilitating illness. It's also not unusal to feel isolated from friends and family. You might want to contact Suncoast Hospice to learn more about available community resources, including some of our own programs. Call (727)-FOR-HOPE (367-4673).
In addition, there are some really great resources on the web to help you
-Anonymous
In addition, there are some really great resources on the web to help you
Friday, February 12, 2010
Support Groups Just for Caregivers
Q: My wife was diagnosed with ALS about 7 years ago and her symptoms are getting worse. She and I are both having our own problems with this disease and I am her caretaker. I definitely need to talk to others. I have attended other support groups but she won't come with me and won't listen to any information I bring back. Do you have a group for caregivers?
-Samuel in Seminole
A: Living with a long term debilitating illness such as ALS can be scary not only for the one with the disease but the caretaker as well. There are so many changes and so many unknowns. You and your wife are going to have your individual concerns and worries since each is going through a unique experience. Each person responds to challenging situations in their own way.
I can say that "yes" we do offer groups for caregivers. We call them Caregiver Coffee Breaks and they are an opportunity to be with other caregivers, to share the joys and sorrows of caregiving and to learn about resources available. You are not alone in your role as caregiver. It is never too soon to contact Suncoast Hospice to ask questions. We will come to you to discuss your needs and options. For more information on the Coffee Breaks and other services please call 727-523-2440.
-Samuel in Seminole
I can say that "yes" we do offer groups for caregivers. We call them Caregiver Coffee Breaks and they are an opportunity to be with other caregivers, to share the joys and sorrows of caregiving and to learn about resources available. You are not alone in your role as caregiver. It is never too soon to contact Suncoast Hospice to ask questions. We will come to you to discuss your needs and options. For more information on the Coffee Breaks and other services please call 727-523-2440.
Caring for the Sick and Elderly Parent
Q: Going crazy because I don't understand Parkinson's disease. My dad is living with it and I was wondering if there is anyone who can help someone who is caring for a sick and old parent? Please help.
-Anonymous
A: I have heard many times from caregivers of another person, especially one living with a long term illness such as Parkinson's disease, "I feel like I'm going crazy". Caring for someone brings many changes in our lives including the loss of how we knew the person before their illness, loss of free time, loss of friends and the list can go on. With these losses come feelings of loneliness, sadness, fear of not knowing how to meet the person's needs, etc.
Yes, there are people who can help someone exactly like you. Suncoast Hospice is available for any adult, child or family in Pinellas County affected by serious illness and the challenges of caregiving. You are not alone in your role as a caregiver. It is never too soon to contact Suncoast Hospice to ask questions about services available to not only the one who is ill but to the caregiver as well. For more information on Suncoast Hospice please call (727) FOR HOPE (367-4673).
-Anonymous
Yes, there are people who can help someone exactly like you. Suncoast Hospice is available for any adult, child or family in Pinellas County affected by serious illness and the challenges of caregiving. You are not alone in your role as a caregiver. It is never too soon to contact Suncoast Hospice to ask questions about services available to not only the one who is ill but to the caregiver as well. For more information on Suncoast Hospice please call (727) FOR HOPE (367-4673).
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