Care Techniques
Introduction: The Power of Walking Together
When a family is faced with Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, or similar neurological disorders, it marks a dramatic shift in daily life and ushers in a challenging new chapter. Feeling you’re not alone during the home care process and realizing the value of solidarity and sharing is crucial. The burden can often feel heavy, but when responsibilities are shared, the quality of life improves for both caregivers and patients. In this article, starting from the power of sharing, we’ll explore evidence-based recommendations, emotional solidarity, and real-life practical tips for making the shared care process more effective, balanced, and peaceful.
Why Is Sharing in Care Essential?
In progressive neurological illnesses like Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s, caregiving is often a long-term commitment. When the burden falls solely on one person, the likelihood of encountering both physical and emotional burnout is much greater. Modern research reveals that 70% of caregivers frequently experience care-related stress and loneliness. Sharing the care burden is one of the most effective ways to alleviate these feelings.(1)
Sharing is not just about a division of labor; it also involves sharing emotions, making decisions together, and easing life’s burdens for everyone involved.
The Scientific Benefits of Dividing Care Responsibilities
Reduces Burnout: When there are multiple caregivers, the workload per person decreases. Studies show that this can lead to up to a 40% reduction in depression and anxiety among caregivers.(2)
Increases Patient Satisfaction: Those receiving care feel safer and more supported. This also helps reduce behavioral issues.
A More Sustainable Process in the Long Term: By distributing the workload more evenly, motivation to provide care is sustained, and the process remains healthier over time.
Practical Steps: How to Organize a Shared Care Process?
Every family and care journey comes with its unique challenges, but a basic roadmap for efficient sharing includes:
Identify Main Care Responsibilities: What are the top priorities? (medication tracking, personal hygiene, meal preparation, etc.) Writing these down provides a practical starting point.
Recognize Strengths and Limits: Everyone has different abilities and, unfortunately, different limits. For example, one family member may manage finances better, while another enjoys spending direct time with the patient.
Hold Regular Meetings: Meet at least once a week to discuss task allocation, current challenges, and feelings. Open communication helps prevent conflicts.
Create Flexible Schedules: Ideally, everyone stays on track, but care can be unpredictable. Stay open to changes, taking everyone’s commitments into account.
Don’t Neglect Emotional Sharing: Support each other not only physically but also emotionally. Talking, listening, and, when necessary, seeking professional help are crucial parts of the process.
Challenges Shared Care Faces in Modern Life
In modern, fast-paced lives, it’s not always realistic for everyone to participate equally in the caregiving process. Often, siblings live in different cities or deal with various work commitments. The burden typically falls on one person, which can lead to feeling isolated or resentful.
To prevent this:
Seek support not only from family members living at home but also from distant ones (via phone calls, financial contributions, etc.).
Encourage those uninvolved in daily care to volunteer for certain days or responsibilities.
Accept that no one can be 100% perfect; try to stay flexible and understanding.
Foundations of Effective Communication Among Caregivers
In some families, care decisions can become sources of conflict. Consider the following for effective communication:
Speak Openly and Respectfully: Calmly express what you’re struggling with and your expectations.
Practice Empathy: Try to understand the other person’s circumstances. Remember, the process can be challenging for them too.
Be Patient: There may be small glitches as new routines and divisions of labor are implemented. Being patient helps minimize conflicts.
Ways to Cope With Emotional Fatigue Together
Scientific studies show that more than 40% of caregivers experience burnout syndrome.(3) That’s why one of the main aims of sharing should be protecting everyone’s psychological well-being.
Effective ways to cope together include:
Sharing feelings instead of suppressing them
Taking frequent breaks and organizing these breaks in rotation
Expressing "thank you" and showing gratitude to each other
Seeking professional support when needed (counseling, psychologist, etc.)
The Role of Technology in Shared Care
Phones, calendar apps, and digital communication tools can greatly help organize the care process. Group messages and online scheduling tools enable instant information sharing among family members. However, it’s important to remember that while technology makes things easier, it can never fully replace human touch and emotional connection.
Toolbox for Practical Applications
Application | Benefit |
|---|---|
Shared Calendar | Organizes tasks and appointments |
Group Messaging | Quick information sharing and instant support |
Video Calls | Involving remote caregivers in the process |
Sample Care Plan
To show how daily care can be shared, here’s a small example:
Morning: Family Member A: Breakfast and medication tracking
Noon: Family Member B: Exercise recommendations and daily walk
Evening: Family Member C (remote): Phone call with the patient to review their day
Weekend: Family Member D: Weekly shopping and general house organization
Respecting Individual Boundaries and Making Time for Yourself
Remember, to be a good caregiver, it’s essential to seek relief from stress and take care of yourself too. The caregiving process is a marathon, not a sprint—keep this in mind.
Sometimes, simply saying “I’m tired too,” taking a coffee break, or spending time with a friend helps you be more effective for both yourself and the person you care for.
"The best caregiver is the one who values themselves as well."
Conclusion: Stronger Together
Despite all challenges, it’s crucial to realize that solidarity, communication, small kindnesses, and mutual understanding ease the burden. No one has to walk this path alone. Managing the care process together directly improves the quality of life for both caregivers and those receiving care. Sharing troubles lessens the load and multiplies the love.
Let’s remember: When we walk with our loved ones, even the toughest times become more meaningful and livable.
Resources
(1) Schulz, R., & Sherwood, P. R. (2008). Physical and mental health effects of family caregiving. American Journal of Nursing, 108(9 Suppl), 23–27.
(2) Adelman, R. D., Tmanova, L. L., Delgado, D., Dion, S., & Lachs, M. S. (2014). Caregiver burden: a clinical review. JAMA, 311(10), 1052–1060.
(3) Vitaliano, P. P., Zhang, J., & Scanlan, J. M. (2003). Is caregiving hazardous to one's physical health? A meta-analysis. Psychological Bulletin, 129(6), 946–972.
Bir Sonraki Okuma
