The Carer's Ten Commandments
Serious illness or loss of mental and physical strength may mean having to ask loved ones for help. Even such moments belong to life. And they have solutions.
Prague, January 8, 2019 - The first caller to the Senior Citizens' Helpline 800 200 007 in 2019 was a lady suddenly struggling to find the right care for her parents, who are over 80 years old. Dad is suffering from Alzheimer's dementia at an advanced stage, Mom has fallen down the stairs, suffered a serious injury and is bedridden. Life brings such situations too. And it's not humanly possible to be prepared for everything.
That's why the Senior Citizen Line has prepared the Carer's Ten Commandments. It can serve as a first signpost on how and what to provide, where to look for more detailed information, what to look out for. You can simply download the Ten Commandments HERE and perhaps put them in a book or diary, or place them on your fridge so that you can always be aware that you are not alone in caring for your loved one.
THE CAREGIVER'S TEN COMMANDMENTS
1 - Get as much information as possible and stay in touch with the experts
Make sure you have a good understanding of the diagnosis - ask doctors about prognosis, supportive treatment options, rehabilitation or reducing the level of pain. Ask for a follow-up examination after a certain period of time. If you feel that you are not working well with your doctor, don't be afraid to change. Form a team together with the goal of good care. Share partial successes.
2 - Observe, listen and ask questions
Your loved one is the most valuable source of information about what he or she really needs. Notice when he or she is happy. Ask what form of help is acceptable and relieving to him or her. Be patient with him, but also with yourself.
3 - Consider funding options for help
In the situation of caring for a loved one, you may be able to take advantage of a financial contribution from the government. Most often this is called long-term care (beware, you will need a doctor's statement before you leave hospital to apply) and a care allowance.
4 - Every family is unique
Caring for a loved one is very difficult to manage in one. Don't be shy about asking relatives or friends to cover for you. Don't dismiss others' ideas, even if they seem out of the ordinary. The important thing is that they work.
5 - The sick person needs to feel supported
Everyone needs to feel that they are respected. Offer help and support, but don't force it. If an action cannot be done at the moment, consider whether it is necessary to do it now, even at the cost of losing wellbeing and peace of mind.
6 - You can only be a superhero for so long
It's important to remember that, despite all our wishes, we are not superheroes, but humans. If something ever doesn't turn out as expected, don't beat yourself up. It's normal to feel anger, rage and despair. At such times it is helpful to seek support or professional help.
7 - Don't forget yourself
Being supportive of someone else is very challenging. So think about your own needs when planning your care. Allow yourself to take turns, allow yourself to get professional help.
8 - Consider institutional care
A nursing home or short-term respite care can provide relief. There may come a time when it's better for everyone if your loved one goes to a nursing home or hospice for visits. Don't blame yourself for not managing the care yourself.
9 - Take inspiration from others
The sick person may not appreciate your care. There will be days when you are grateful and happy that you chose to care and days when you feel angry or sorry and despair. Share your experience with people who also care or have cared.Take inspiration from others: what helped them? How was the experience valuable to them? Self-help groups for carers, literature or films may be helpful.
10 - Enjoy moments together
Don't let difficulties in daily functioning or unrealistic expectations of others and yourself spoil your moments together. The time spent together and the joy shared will one day be the most precious memories.
Whatever challenges you face in caring for a loved one, the Senior Helpline 800 200 007 is available 365 days a year from 8am to 8pm. It is anonymous and free. Seniors and caregivers can find the phone number on all SIM cards and payphones of O2, for example, which has been supporting the Line for ten years.
Media contact
Lada Brůnová ~ lada.brunova@elpida.cz ~ +420 739 659 456
Elpida
Elpida means hope in Greek. But it is also the name of an organisation that helps seniors become a confident and respected part of society. In the spirit of the Old's Cool motto, Elpida is changing the way people look at old age - it runs the Elpida Educational and Cultural Centre for seniors fromPrague and the Senior Crisis Line, founded the brand Socks from Grandma, publishes the magazine VITAL, and organises the intergenerational Old's Cool festival. In short, she is trying to make Czech seniors lead a full & happy life.