Chances are that someone you know – perhaps a dear friend, neighbor or family member, has been diagnosed with cancer. It is human nature to want to provide them with comfort, to show support or to reach out to them and make a difference in their cancer journey. It is also human nature to be fearful, scared and unsure of how to proceed. There is no roadmap for successful caregiving, but just letting your loved one know that you care and want to be there for them will make their journey easier. Let your heart be your guide. Here are some insights and tips to help you reach out with confidence to a loved one who is living with cancer.

Four Insights for Caregivers

1. Doing it their way

   Everyone deals with cancer in their own way and there are many different ways of coping. The person living with cancer is the leader; they have the right to make decisions that are right for them, to receive accurate and timely information and to do it their way. Some people want to know everything, whereas others may choose to receive it in small doses.

   Tips – Approach your loved-one with a non-judgmental attitude that supports their decisions, feelings and beliefs and tells them that you are in their corner – even if it isn’t the way you would do it. You can also:

   • Be a good listener – that means turning off all electronic devices and let your body language and demeanor say that you are not in a rush and have your undivided attention.
   • Avoid giving advice unless you’re sure you’ve been asked for it. Do not give medical advice.
   • Offer to gather information or research topics or services that are of interest to them.
2. ‘Underburdening’

   Often a person living with cancer is reluctant to share their feelings and vulnerabilities with their spouse or close friend because they want to be strong, positive and supportive for them. They do not want to be a burden. And of course, a caregiver is happy and relieved when their loved-one is not in pain, is not nauseous, is not sad or depressed – but this is often not reality. It is common for a relationship to become veiled in untruths especially when it is easier to pretend that everything is just fine. Often a loved-one will try to do too much, because they want others to see them as strong and full of energy – like before.

   Tips – Communication is the key to having an honest relationship. First, evaluate if you have the necessary strength, flexibility and resilience to be the one that is their ‘rock’. Are you ready to assume this role? If so, encourage your loved-one to be open and straight forward about how they are feeling. It is a two-way street, so both of you should start by take baby steps in sharing and being truthful. It is helpful to have more than one person to take on this role. Don’t say “how can I help?” but say “when can I do _____?” Other tips are:

   • Offer to run errands, do the grocery shopping, register kids for activities or dust and vacuum
   • Prepare some nutritious meals that can be frozen and re-heated quickly for a nutritious meal
   • Drive to appointments or accompany them to clinic visits
   • Mow the lawn, weed or plant some vibrant flowers
3. Fear

   One of the worries about cancer is fear – fear of the unknown, fear of losing your
   hair or becoming disfigured, fear of a recurrence, fear of dying and fear of leaving
   behind loved ones. People living with cancer live with this fear day in and day out.
   The fear often swells to terror in the stillness of the night and the slightest new ache
   or pain unleashes an avalanche of emotion. This can result in them being highly
   sensitive, having a short fuse or over reacting to situations that wouldn’t normally
   be a concern.Tips – When appropriate, it’s Okay for you to bring up the topic of “fear” by
   asking your loved-one if they have any fears that worry them. Just initiating the
   conversation is a good place to start. Your loved-one may be relieved to finally share
   some of their deepest secrets. Once the fear is out in the open, how does one deal
   with it?

   • If your loved one cries, don’t try to stop them. Reassure them that it is OK to cry. It may be upsetting to watch, but it might just be the release that is needed.
   • Maintain their hope. It has been said that “hope is not the conviction that something will turn out well but the certainty that something makes sense, no matter how it turns out”. When someone we care about is seriously ill, it is natural for us to strive to be hopeful. Hope is a powerful force that can help to support and comfort us in times of worry and stress.
   • Don’t be afraid to use humour when appropriate. Having a good laugh lets them know that they are still living in this world. Humour releases endorphins which have a relaxant effect on the body; it also often helps to put things into perspective. Offer to rent a funny movie that you can watch together.
   • Listening to music that one enjoys has been shown to decrease anxiety, minimize pain, lighten sadness and foster a restful sleep. Offer to download their favorite tunes to an iPod or source their favorite albums. “Bach at Bedtime’ is a great album that might help to induce a long and sound sleep.
4. Taking care of yourself

   It’s easy to lose perspective when you’re a caregiver. There’s so much to do, and often so little time to do it. That’s why it’s important to take of yourself so that you can assist a loved one in need. As a caregiver you must value who you are and respect your personal needs if you are to remain physically, emotionally and spiritually healthy.

   Tips – Try to set realistic expectations – it’s easy to say but more difficult to achieve. With time, knowledge and experience you can learn to take control and to say “NO” when expectations become unrealistic.

   • Try to manage your time better by delegating, planning ahead, prioritizing and accepting offers of help. Create a detailed calendar that incorporates time for you to do, what you enjoy doing.
   • Try to find time to take a break or find some respite (a breathing space in your day or week). Be good to yourself.
   • Set up a Facebook page and re-connect with friends from the past. You may be surprised how many are experiencing the same challenges and are available to support you.
   • Keep a personal journey where you can chronicle your feelings, concerns and thoughts.

“Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind work, a listening
ear an honest compliment or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the
potential t o turn a life around. It’s overwhelming to consider the continuous
opportunities there are to make our love felt.”
Leo F. Buscaglia

During my nursing career as a visiting nurse, I have cared for countless numbers of patients who were diagnosed with cancer. It was a privilege to be welcomed into their homes and to learn about their personal cancer journeys.

As I learned about my patients’ medical situations, there were 2 questions which always intrigued me about their cancer. The first question was “What was your very first symptom that brought you to the doctor?” The second question was “Why do you think this cancer found you”

Today’s blog is about identifying your own unique risks for cancer and salutes the end of April and Cancer Awareness Month. As I write this blog I recall a few of my patients’ stories:

• Mr. G was 56 and struggling with his new colostomy due to colon cancer; his macho demeanor quickly melted into a flood of tears as he recalled his own father dying of bowel cancer at 65.
• C and L were twin sisters who died of breast cancer within 4 months of each other. They were only 52 years old. Their Mom had succumbed to the same disease at 59.
• Mr. W was diagnosed with prostate cancer at 57 years old when his first blood test for prostate cancer (PSA test) came back at 8.9 (PSA should be <3). Sadly, it was only after he was diagnosed that his Dad told him that his grandfather had died of prostate cancer.
• J was 45 year old when he learned that he had end stage lung cancer. He recalled that starting to smoke at 15, experimenting with marijuana and heavy drinking surely predisposed him to lung cancer.

Every 3 minutes another Canadian will hear the words “you have cancer” for the first time. In the past year, nearly 178,000 Canadian were diagnosed with cancer (MediaPlanet, National Post, March 2012). Did you know that 90% of cancers are curable if caught in stage one? What can you do to learn if you are at risk for cancer? Risks are an integral part of our health lives. We live with risks every day and hear about statistics that are often confusing. The following information will help to dispel the myths and shed some light on the risky business of cancer.

Five Steps to Better Understanding Cancer Risks

1. Develop a new attitude. Make an oath to yourself that no one is more important than YOU. Become your own advocate for a healthier, stronger and more confident YOU. Don’t take your health for granted – it is a precious gift that should be protected and nourished.
2. Get smart. Knowledge is power in the fight against cancer so arm yourself with accurate and relevant information that is pertinent to YOU.
3. Listen to your body. Each one of us is the best guardian of our health and our bodies. Learn what the normal rhythms are so that when something different occurs you are ready. Don’t be passive – if you have a new sign or symptom, proactively investigate it; trust your instincts and persevere until you are satisfied. Sadly, I`ve heard many horror stories about people who waited too long, out of fear or ignorance and a stage 1 cancer was not identified until stage 3 or 4. As a patient you have the right to ask to see your test results and don`t be afraid to ask questions or to ask for your own copy.
4. Know your family history. Have you ever wondered about your family tree and how your genealogy might affect your health today and tomorrow? Discovering your own genetic inheritance is one of the keys to taking charge of your health, especially if you are predisposed to cancer. Common cancers like ovarian, breast, prostate, endometrial and pancreatic have some inheritance links. Ask questions of your parents and grandparents and try to plot it out in a family medical tree or genogram.
5. Assess your individual risk factors. Sometimes risk factors are misunderstood, for example the one-in-nine stat for breast cancer that relates to breast cancer risk doesn’t mean that 1:9 will die from breast cancer – rather it means that one in the nine of us who live to be 85 will get breast cancer – quite a difference. In other words, of those 85, 1:9 will get breast cancer – so at every age group the statistic is different. At 50 years of age a woman’s chance of getting breast cancer is 1:15. Review the chart below – Top Ten Common Cancers and Their Risk Factors and learn about risk factors that are non-modifiable – factors you were born with or have no control over and the modifiable risk factors – the ones you can change. Knowing you’re at risk for certain cancers can lead you to make lifestyle changes and demand closer medical surveillance; the result can be earlier detection of the disease at a more curable stage.

Generally – a family history of cancer increases the risk for developing most types of cancer.
Generally – smoking increases the overall risk for developing most types of cancer.

Top Ten Common Cancers and Their Risk Factors

Lung Cancer

Colon (Colorectal or Bowel)

Breast Cancer

Ovarian Cancer

Prostate Cancer

Pancreatic Cancer

Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma

Lukemia

Oral Cancer

Stomach Cancer

* An asterisk means that factor is the most important risk factor for developing that particular type of cancer.

I hope this information gives you relevant facts to help you live with hope, confidence and optimism.

References:

Canadian Cancer Society www.cancer.ca

www.cbc.ca/news/interactives/cancer-stats

For additional information call the Canadian Cancer Society CCS) at 1-888-939-3333 or info@cis.cancer.ca

Join the conversation with the CCS on Facebook, Twitter or YouTube.

        In my latest blog post on kidney failure, I received some great feedback on the information, including a request from an individual wanting to draw awareness around Polycystic Kidney Disease. As Polycystic Kidney Disease affects more than 66,000 Canadians and some 12 million children, men and women worldwide, I felt it warranted an additional post. Hopefully the information below will answer any questions you may have on this disease.

What is Polycystic Kidney Disease? Am I at risk of developing it?

Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) is an inherited disorder that cause’s fluid filled sacs (cysts) to form in the kidneys. As these sacs enlarge, they begin to compress the normal tissue of the kidneys, altering their function. PKD is known to occur with hypertension (elevated blood pressure), urinary tract infections and kidney stones, sometimes causing kidney failure. There are two types of PKD; Autosomal Dominant, the most common type, and Autosomal Recessive, a rare type. With Autosomal Dominant PKD there is a 50% chance of having the disease if one of your parents carries the gene. It is said to affect 1 in 1000 births, causing symptoms during mid-life. With Autosomal Recessive PKD, there is a 25% chance of getting the disease, if both parents carry the gene. Autosomal Recessive PKD will present in infants and small children.

What symptoms could I experience with PKD?

The most common symptoms of PKD include pain in the back and sides, headaches, abdominal tenderness, feeling of fullness, frequent urinary tract infections, and kidney stones. Other symptoms can include blood in the urine, abnormal heart valves, liver and pancreatic cysts, brain aneurysms and diverticulitis. For some an elevated blood pressure will present as the first symptom.

What tests will my doctor send me to diagnose PKD?

PKD is diagnosed using a detailed family history and ultrasound of the kidneys. An ultrasound will show the size and number of cysts affecting the kidneys. A CT scan or MRI may be performed to visualize the number of smaller cysts not seen on ultrasound.

I have been diagnosed with PKD, what are my treatment options?

Treatment is aimed at preventing complications using diet, exercise, stress reduction techniques along with medication to control high blood pressure. Cysts can be drained using a small catheter, or surgical removal may be performed. Urinary tract infections are treated as they occur. In end-stage kidney failure treatment is focused on dialysis and transplantation.

For more information on PKD, please visit: http://endpkd.ca/

What is the normal function of the kidneys?

Your kidneys work to filter out water and waste from your blood stream. The wastes are concentrated then sent to your bladder to be stored as urine. Your kidney’s also work to regulate your blood pressure.

Why is kidney disease known as the Silent Killer?

Most people do not experience symptoms of kidney disease until damage has already been done. Kidney disease is most often referred to as Chronic Kidney Disease which results from a pre-existing condition that contributes to damaging the kidneys. Some pre-existing conditions include Diabetes, Nephritis, Kidney Stones, and Polycystic Kidney Disease. Acute Kidney Disease, resulting from trauma or injury, is reversible, but requires immediate treatment.

What is Chronic Kidney Disease? What does this mean to the function of the kidneys?

Chronic Kidney Disease happens over several years and slowly damages the kidneys, effectively “killing” them. Chronic Kidney Disease is broken down into 5 Stages determined by the percentage of remaining function.

Stage 1 – Kidney function is more than 90%

• Slight impairment, normal blood values
• Treatment includes a healthy diet and exercise.

Stage 2 – Kidney function is between 60 – 89%

• Worsening impairment, slightly elevated Creatinine and Urea in the blood
• No symptoms

Stage 3 – Kidney function is between 30 – 59%

• Symptoms appear including fatigue, poor appetite and itching
• Treatment is aimed at stopping or slowing further decline in kidney function.
• Diagnosed by elevated Creatinine and Urea levels of the blood with Anemia

Stage 4 – Kidney function is between 15 – 29%

• Symptoms worsen, Creatinine * and Urea * are further elevated
• Dialysis is prescribed as the main form of treatment due to the kidneys inability to function enough to keep the patient alive.

Stage 5 – Kidney function is less than 15%

• Symptoms worsen to include poor sleeping, difficulty breathing, itching, and vomiting, high blood levels of Creatinine and Urea
• Dialysis is prescribed and transplantation is considered

What is dialysis? What is the difference between Hemodialysis and Peritoneal Dialysis?

Dialysis is an artificial method of cleansing the blood of waste. It is a life long treatment.

Hemodialysis uses an artificial kidney machine to collect the blood from the body and cleanse it of the wastes. The cleansed blood is then returned to the patient. Hemodialysis is done in a dialysis unit, up to 5 hours per day, 3 times per week.

Peritoneal dialysis works to cleanse the blood inside the patient’s body. The abdomen is filled with a clear, dialysis fluid allowing for the peritoneum** to act as the artificial kidney. Cleansing of the blood is continuous with the clear fluid changed regularly through the day. Peritoneal dialysis can be performed in the home with the aid of a community nurse.

So why is Chronic Kidney Disease known as the Silent Killer?

Since Chronic Kidney Disease can damage the kidneys for years before the patient shows signs and symptoms, early detection is key. If you are at risk of developing kidney disease due to a pre-existing condition or family history, it is extremely important to watch for the following symptoms:

• High blood pressure
• Puffy eyes, hands and feet
• Urine that is cloudy, tea-coloured or bloody
• Protein in the urine
• Foaming of the urine
• Frequency of urination, especially during the night
• Fatigue
• Poor appetite or complete loss of appetite
• Itching that is generalized and persistent

Now that you know why Chronic Kidney Disease is known as the Silent Killer, what will you do to protect yourself and your kidneys?

*Creatinine & Urea – elements in the blood that are indicators of kidney function

**Peritoneum – the lining of the abdominal cavity

Remember the old saying ‘you are what you eat’?  Research shows it probably isn’t far from the truth.  People of all ages should make it their motto when deciding what to eat.  Eating well is one of the most important things people can do to stay healthy.  It contributes to happy, active and independent lives and becomes especially important as we age.

Food is one of life’s pleasures, but that’s not all!  Good nutrition keeps muscles, bones, organs and other body parts strong and healthy.  Eating vitamin-rich foods can help to boost your immunity and fight off illnesses.  A diet that contains healthy foods from all four food groups can also help to decrease the risk of heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, diabetes and some cancers.  By making healthy food choices you can maintain and even improve your health.

While eating a balanced, healthy diet it is also important to enjoy L.I.F.E.:

Lifestyle
A healthy lifestyle can help you look and feel your best – make eating an enjoyable part of your daily routine by:
- asking a friend to lunch and trying a new restaurant or meal
- baking with your grandchildren and teaching them about healthy food choices
- helping with special meals or celebrations within your community
- asking a friend to join you in eating better – it’s easier to make these changes with a buddy

Being active and feeling good about yourself through support from friends and family are important for a healthy lifestyle.

Independence
If it is difficult for you to get out to the grocery store, here are some tips to help you remain independent:

-ask your local grocery store if they will accept a food order over the phone and deliver your grocery order right to your door
-enquire about Meals on Wheels (or other similar service)- these meals are usually well balanced, nutritious and often have enough food for 2 meals
-see if your town/city has access to a service like www.grocerygateway.com – their online grocery store gives you access to fresh fruit, vegetables, prepared salads and entrees simply by the click of your mouse.
-stock up on frozen TV dinners – the quality and taste of these nutritious entrees gives you the peace of mind of always having a delicious entree at your finger tips.
 
Food
When meal planning:
- Be realistic: make small changes one step at a time; in this way there is a better chance the change will last
- Be adventurous: try a variety of foods; perhpas a theme dinner with your friends featuring foods from other countries
- Be flexible: eat regularly, choose wisely and be active every day
- Be sensible: most importantly ENJOY!  If you are craving a treat, have one and enjoy it – just learn not to overdo it
- Colour your plate: fruits and vegetables rich in colour are directly related to rich vitamins and nutrients (think blackberries, melons, sweet potatoes, spinach, tomatoes, swiss chard)

Energy
Eating healthy foods and getting regular physical activity gives you ENERGY to get going to keep going!
- eat and drink enough to maintain a healthy weight by following Canada’s Food Guide http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/fn-an/food-guide-aliment/index-eng.php
- choose healthy snacks to boost your energy level – for example nuts, granola bars, cheese & crackers and fruit
- be active!: – take a look at Canada’s Physical Activity Guidelines http://www.csep.ca/english/view.asp?x=804
- plan nature walks at a park with family or friends or join a mall walking group
- plant a garden

The Dieticians of Canada has claimed March as Nutrition Month.  Help celebrate by planning and promoting healthy food choices at home or within your community.  One small step can make a big difference!

For most, the term Hospice Palliative Care brings to mind placing your loved one in an institution that provides care during the end stage of a terminal illness. In truth, the term Hospice Palliative Care is a broad term used to identify a multi-dimensional approach to improving the quality of living throughout their journey. Hospice Palliative Care can take place in a hospital, Long Term Care Facility, Nursing Home and, most importantly, a loved one’s home. The term Hospice Palliative Care also includes the numerous people that are involved in the care of your loved one, from diagnosis to bereavement. It is important to view Palliative Care as holistic, involving not only a loved one, but all the caregivers.

There are 3 fundamental basics when caring for a loved one during all stages of terminal illness, respect, dignity and compassion.

• Respect for a loved one’s right to participate in their own care, respecting their decisions about end of life issues as well as respecting their choices as needs change, goes a long way to making their journey easier. Caregiver’s should be provided the same respect as their loved one, as both will be travelling this path together while experiencing the same emotions, questions and stress.
• The loved one’s Dignity must be considered at all times. Whether it involves privacy, cultural choices, or even how they want to be viewed in the last few days of their illness, it is imperative to maintain a loved one’s dignity even when they are gone.
• Compassion provides a loved one and caregiver with a feeling of support and sometimes relief. Compassionate care is fundamental in establishing a trusting, therapeutic relationship with a loved one and their caregivers.

Hospice Palliative Care also focuses on a loved one’s quality of life, rather than the process of dying. It encourages everyone involved to understand and address issues and expectations while preparing for and coping with loss and grief. Using a team of physicians, nurses, personal support workers, therapists, social workers, spiritual supports and many other community resources will allow both the loved one’s and caregiver’s needs to be continually reassessed on an individual basis. Care is managed according to several domains including pain and symptom management, disease management, psychological needs, social issues, spiritual needs, personal values, and end of life/bereavement needs. By using these domains, a proactive approach is used to truly meet the needs of the loved one and their caregivers.

Whether you are a loved one living with a terminal illness or the caregiver, know that there are many community supports available to help you through this journey. Being prepared is vital, and knowing when to ask for help is fundamental to the overall well-being of the loved one and their caregiver’s.

Respect, Dignity and Compassion are essential in the care of a loved one and in the support of their caregivers, as they journey down this path together.

Spring is just around the corner and most Canadians are yearning for warmer days, the joys of spring and simply getting outdoors again. February is also Heart Month, so let’s take fitness to heart and make a serious plan of action.

Did you know that The Canadian Physical Activity Guidelines www.csep.ca/guidelines recommends that older adults – 65 years and older, should get at least 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity per week – in bouts of 10 minutes or more? That’s about 22 minutes each day – that’s not so bad.  

You’ve heard it all before: being physically active will help reduce risks for heart disease, high blood pressure, type 1 or type 2 diabetes, joint and breathing problems; and if you are already living with one or more of these chronic conditions – it may slow its progression, prevent complications and prevent premature death.

Make heart month your time to take fitness to heart.  Read on to learn about things you should consider when making a plan that fits you the best.

 Let’s Talk Intensity

•  Light-intensity physical activities will gently get your joints and muscles moving and you might notice a bit of soreness the next day – activities like going for a stroll, wheelchair arm lifts and lightly pedalling a stationary bike.
•  Moderate-intensity physical activities will cause older adults to sweat a little and to breathe harder- activities like brisk walking, bicycling and dancing
•  Vigorous-intensity physical activities will cause older adults to sweat and ‘be out of breath’- activities like cross-country skiing and vigorous swimming.
• If you can’t talk while exercising then your intensity is too high.

Your Fitness Ability Determines Results

Robb Armstrong, a fitness and lifestyle specialist from elifestyle.ca, has a few hints to take the sting out of exercising and keep you safe.

A quick training tip before you begin: Keep muscles loose and limber. As you reach your 40’s your muscles become less pliable, so they need to be stretched longer. It’s good practice if you’re under 40 to hold your stretches for 30 seconds, and if you’re over 40, hold each stretch for 60 seconds.

Matching your intensity with your individual ability is key in a few ways.

• First, if you’re a beginner, are overweight, have any current injuries, or have any pre-existing physical or medical conditions such as shin splints, a cardiovascular condition or osteoporosis, you’ll want to limit your intensity and limit the amount of time at each session.
• Next, you monitor success and increase intensity accordingly. This is where walking or swimming for weight loss has the clear edge due to the low impact it has on bones, joints and muscles while still increasing the benefits on overall health.

Whether walking, gardening, cycling or dancing, you’ll get the greatest benefit if you aim for a total of 20 minutes each day, building on your time and intensity as you improve on your ability.

Talk to your Family Doctor before you begin your fitness plan to ensure that it is right for you. Make sure you are hydrated throughout your exercising by always bringing a bottle of water with you.  Get fit with a buddy – it’s more fun to share fitness with a friend and it’s safer.

Goals – For best results keep them small and stay consistent, increasing them bit-by-bit every week. In this way your successes will keep YOU motivated to put Your heart into fitness.

If you’re like most people, you may think heart disease is a problem for others. However, every single human being has a heart; therefore, we are all potentially at risk. Heart disease takes one in three Canadians before their time and is the number one killer of Canadian women. Understanding heart disease is not easy due to the fact there are many different types of conditions. Looking at the facts will benefit you and those you love in the long run.

Having spent many years of my career as a nurse working in the community, I have seen firsthand the devastation heart disease can cause a family. Not only can heart disease affect someone physically,  it can also have emotional, mental and spiritual impact. One of my first clients in the community was a woman with three young children. She was going through chemotherapy treatments and at the same time grieving the recent loss of her husband from a sudden heart attack. He was 37 years old. His children were in elementary school. He was the ‘healthy’ one, the caregiver, and the supporter of the family.

February has been proclaimed as National Heart Month in Canada with the hopes it will raise public awareness through education and prevention of heart disease. Just like nurses working in the community, the public does not have access to the technology medical staff do in the hospital. This is why we need to rely on the warning signs of a heart attack or stroke and be aware of what our bodies are telling us.

• Chest discomfort – sudden discomfort or pain that does not go away
• Discomfort in other areas of the upper body – neck, jaw, shoulder, arms, back
• Shortness of breath – not being able to speak or having a hard time breathing
• Sweating – clammy, wet skin
• Nausea – with or without vomiting
• Light-headedness – feeling like you are going to faint or pass out
• Pallor – grayish colouring of the face

Nine out of ten Canadians have at least one risk factor for heart disease and stroke. Be proactive and reduce the risks by adopting simple lifestyle changes that can impact your health in a positive way: incorporate Canada’s Food Guide into your diet, get regular physical activity, develop coping strategies to manage stress, limit alcohol consumption, and stop smoking.
We Care’s booklet Get Going to Keep Going has information on healthy eating and getting active within your community. It also has tips on communicating about your health and how to actively participate in your health care. To request your complimentary copy online visit www.wecare.ca/getgoing or call 1-877-853-1195.

There is no time like the present, participate now!

Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias touch the lives of hundreds of thousands of Canadian families every year. Caring for an Alzheimer’s patient can be overwhelming at times – but it can also be rewarding. The reward comes from finding solutions to problems and being confident in knowing how to provide care. A caregiver’s efforts are focused on the patient, focus that is supported by finding the inner strength and motivation to be the best caregiver one can be.

1) Learn about the disease and ask questions

• Take some time to learn more about what you are dealing with in caring for someone with Alzheimer’s. Know what to expect as the disease progresses.
• Access resources available in your community, such as the Alzheimer’s Association.
• Take your loved one to his or her doctor often and ask about available treatments.

2) Provide physical and emotional care

• As the disease progresses, more and more help will be needed for physical care such as bathing and ambulation. Be prepared by having the necessary equipment (bath bars, wheel chair, etc.).
• Aggression is a classic symptom of a person with Alzheimer’s. Speak gently and never respond in anger or try to argue with them.

3) Ensure safety

• Install safety equipment and hardware when the person begins showing signs of instability.
• Protect the person with Alzheimer’s in the event they leave the stove burner on or try to leave the home in the middle of the night (use of stove guards and alarm systems).

4) Plan for changes

• Start to evaluate all the options to assist in properly caring for the Alzheimer’s patient, including in-home care, community-based services, and residential care.
• Consult an attorney who specializes in geriatric law to discuss financial and legal issues. Decisions involving future medical care and other wishes can be made ahead of time.

5) Ask for help and take care of yourself

• Consult with a professional who has experience advising caregivers of people with Alzheimer’s as they can be a huge help in navigating the health care system.
• Adult day-care services or respite care can also provide a break for the caregiver.
• Eat healthy foods, get plenty of rest, and make time to exercise. You need to be well in order to manage the role of caregiver.
• Ask other family members or friends for help or hire a caregiver from a home care organization in your community.

Caring for an Alzheimer’s patient is difficult. Help and resources are available and will support you in the role of caregiver when you are feeling that much of the load is on your shoulders.

For more resource information:
- www.alzheimer.ca
- Alzheimer’s Foundation of America
- Alz.org

Caregiving affects us all. Regardless of language, culture, or ability, it has become an everyday part of life for many people. Millions of Canadians are currently providing care for a loved one at home or in a facility. As medical technologies advance and life expectancies increase, more and more of us will participate in the caregiving process – whether we are the one needing the care or the one providing it.

Being a nurse gives you insight into family dynamics and the ways in which people cope through difficult times. As a nurse and granddaughter I have seen the effects of family caregiving and the impact it can make. Although it is a centuries-old act of kindness, love and loyalty, it can take a heavy toll on you if you don’t get adequate support. When my grandmother reached the point where she needed 24 hour care and wanted to stay at home it was our family that provided most of the support. These were trying times, and even with 8 children to share the workload, there were periods of conflict, hardship and resentment due to other roles and responsibilities that each and every family member had. What can help make it successful is when family members come together and share in the variety of tasks that are required. One person may have difficulty doing it alone.
Caring for a loved one who is mentally or physically challenged can be emotionally taxing on the caregiver. It can be especially difficult to care for a parent who has traditionally been the caregiver for you and your family.
Tips for Family Caregivers

• Understand that caregiving is hard work – reward yourself with respite breaks often
• Watch for signs of depression, and get help when you need it
• Educate yourself on your loved one’s condition or disease and how to communicate effectively with the health care team
• If people offer to help you, graciously accept the offer and suggest specific things they can help you with
• Be good to your back: caregivers do a lot of physical care
• Allow yourself to grieve your losses
• Seek support from other caregivers – there is great strength in knowing you’re not alone
• Call a private home care agency – they can offer respite, assistance with personal care, nursing services and can help keep your loved one at home

We Care has just launched a booklet specifically designed with the family caregiver in mind titled “Being a Family Caregiver”. This guide was created to help people manage the challenges and responsibilities of providing care to a loved one. To request your complimentary copy call 1-877-853-1195 or visit http://www.wecare.ca/FamilyCaregiverGuide.aspx.

If you are a caregiver you often have to put the needs of others ahead of your own. Caring for yourself is one of the most important – and one of the most forgotten – things you must do as a caregiver. When your needs are taken care of, the person you are taking care of will benefit too.