The Stages of CaregivingThe Stages of Caregiving

Conni Mansaw, BSGConni Mansaw, BSGCentral Plains Area Agency on AgingCentral Plains Area Agency on Aging

What is a Caregiver?What is a Caregiver?

Caregiving in the U.SCaregiving in the U.S

More than 50 million family caregivers More than 50 million family caregivers The value of services family caregivers The value of services family caregivers

provide for “free” is estimated to be $315 provide for “free” is estimated to be $315 billion in 2009.billion in 2009.

Sedgwick County reported 84,000 adults Sedgwick County reported 84,000 adults that have provided care for a chronically ill, that have provided care for a chronically ill, disabled or aged family member or friend disabled or aged family member or friend during the past year.during the past year.

The Caregivers Among UsThe Caregivers Among Us

Stage One: The Early StageStage One: The Early Stage

The 5 R’sThe 5 R’s

RecognizeRecognize stress stress ReflectReflect-self care and self talk-self care and self talk Reassuring ThoughtsReassuring Thoughts-replace negative -replace negative

feelings and thoughts with calming feelings and thoughts with calming supportive onessupportive ones

Relaxation and RecreationRelaxation and Recreation RewardReward-reward yourself for coping -reward yourself for coping

attempts even if you feel they are not fully attempts even if you feel they are not fully obtainedobtained

Stage Two-The Middle StageStage Two-The Middle Stage

Caregivers ConcernsCaregivers Concerns

I can’t get enough sleepI can’t get enough sleep I have conflicts with other family membersI have conflicts with other family members I feel anxiousI feel anxious I feel like I have no time for myselfI feel like I have no time for myself I worry that I’m not doing a good job as a I worry that I’m not doing a good job as a

caregivercaregiver I feel depressed, trapped or resentfulI feel depressed, trapped or resentful

Strategies for SuccessStrategies for Success

Develop a routineDevelop a routine Effective Communication with Effective Communication with

Healthcare ProfessionalsHealthcare Professionals Acknowledge the care recipient's Acknowledge the care recipient's

feelingsfeelings Have fun with your loved one(photos)Have fun with your loved one(photos) Take Care of YourselfTake Care of Yourself Explore community resourcesExplore community resources

Caregiver Services through CPAAACaregiver Services through CPAAA

InformationInformation AssistanceAssistance CounselingCounseling Working Caregiver Support ProgramWorking Caregiver Support Program Support GroupSupport Group RespiteRespite TransportationTransportation

Other Services Provided to Benefit Other Services Provided to Benefit CaregiversCaregivers

Case ManagementCase Management Senior CentersSenior Centers RSVP Volunteer ProgramRSVP Volunteer Program Minor Home RepairMinor Home Repair Meal ServicesMeal Services Community Assessment Program for Community Assessment Program for

Seniors (CAPS)Seniors (CAPS) Roving PantryRoving Pantry Legal ServicesLegal Services

Stage Three-Final StageStage Three-Final Stage

Closing thoughtClosing thought

There are only four kinds of people in There are only four kinds of people in this world: Those who this world: Those who areare caregivers. caregivers. Those who Those who werewere caregivers. Those caregivers. Those who who will bewill be caregivers. And those caregivers. And those who who will needwill need the help of a the help of a caregiver.”caregiver.”-Former First Lady Rosalynn Carter-Former First Lady Rosalynn Carter

Have You Thanked a Caregiver Have You Thanked a Caregiver Today?Today?

Conni MansawCaregiver Coordinator

316-660-5153cmansaw@cpaaa.org

www.cpaaa.org