Caregiver frequently asked questions

Providing care for another human being can be challenging and very rewarding. If you're new to the task, you may have questions about what to expect. If you've been doing it for a while, you may be ready for some help and advice.

• Who are caregivers?
• What do caregivers do?
• I've never cared for a dying person—what will it be like?
• Will someone teach me caregiving techniques?
• What can I do to cope with being a caregiver?
• If I need extra help, who hires and pays for caregivers
• How can I help someone who is a caregiver?
• Where can I find more resources?

Who are caregivers?

A caregiver is usually a spouse, but can be an adult child or other relative. Caregivers can also be a neighbor or friend. A paid, professional caregiver may be used when care needs can not be met by relatives and friends alone. Learn more about the types of caregivers.

What do caregivers do?

Caregivers provide emotional, financial, nursing, social, homemaking, and other services on a daily or intermittent basis. Most family caregivers volunteer their time, without pay, to help with the care needs of a loved one. Duties vary and may include providing personal care, cooking and feeding, toileting, dressing, bathing, carrying out routine medical procedures, and managing a household. Caregiving may involve learning about hospice, giving medication, driving to doctor appointments, and providing help with finances.

I've never cared for a dying person—what will it be like?

During the final stage of life, there are no "rights" or "wrongs." Whatever you feel like doing for your family member is the "right" thing to do. This may be no more than sitting or lying with him/her and communicating the comforting assurance that you are there.

Click here for more information on the dying process and what to expect.

 Will someone teach me caregiving techniques?

Hospice nurses, social workers, hospice aides, and therapists will work with you to teach you the skills and techniques you need to provide safe, effective care for your loved one, whether it's how to move someone from bed to a wheelchair or how to administer medications. They will be a resource for you, answering whatever questions you may have and supporting and encouraging you in your role as caregiver.

What can I do to cope with being a caregiver?

It's important for caregivers to take precautions against depression and exhaustion. Providing care can take a toll on someone already holding down a job or raising a family. Caregiving can create changes in family dynamics. Feelings of sadness, anger, isolation, and stress may arise. Things a caregiver can do to avoid 'burn-out' include

• Learn about available resources
• Take one day at a time
• Accept help
• Make your health (physical and mental) a priority
• Get enough rest and eat properly
• Plan ahead and develop contingency plans
• Take breaks; do things you enjoy
• Share your feelings with others
• Join one of Lumina's many caregiver support groups

If I need extra help, who hires and pays for caregivers?

There may be times when caregiving needs are greater than can be provided by family and friends. When that happens, it may be necessary to look for additional help. Home care agencies and private paid caregivers may help fill the gap.

Lumina Hospice & Palliative Care maintains a list of private caregiver agencies and independent caregivers which may be available for hire. If you'd like a copy of this listing, please contact us.

While hospice can provide assistance in locating additional help, we do not routinely cover the cost of paid caregivers.

How can I help someone who is a caregiver?

There are things you can do to support friends or family members who are responsible for the care for someone with a terminal illness or condition. Some examples:

• Offer specific help rather than saying "let me know what I can do"
• Encourage caregivers to take time for themselves
• Spend time with the person who is sick or injured to give the caregiver a break
• Bring a something to read aloud, a game to play, or just a friendly ear
• Respect privacy while offering support and a listening ear

Click here for more ideas on how to help.