Caring
for the
Caregiver
by Kelly Thore
H
aving an ill relative can shake worlds – especially
Woosley says the most important thing a caregiver can do
that of the familial caregiver. The stress of providing
to help their ill loved ones is to stay healthy themselves, but
sometimes 24-hour emotional, physical and finan-
this can prove challenging with the unique obstacles different
cial care can take a toll on even the healthiest friends and
illnesses may bring.
family members.
Below are just a few examples of health situations that re-
Ruth Woosley, director at the Shepherd’s Center in Kern-
quire a caregiver’s assistance. Other examples would be can-
ersville, has seen instances in which a caregiver has required
cer, heart disease, paralysis and the list goes on.
as much care as the patient.
“A few years ago we had three of the 20 caregivers in our
Dementia
companion-sitting program, the ones that cared for their loved
Dementia can be one of the most emotionally painful dis-
ones 24-7, who had to admit themselves to the hospital dur-
orders an individual can watch a family member go through.
ing that one particular year,” she recalled. “It’s astounding that
The degradation of a loved one’s physical and mental capabil-
three out of 20 people in just a year’s time let their own health
ities not only requires consistent physical attention but also a
go while caring for another.”
mental toughness that can be stressful, draining and frustrating.
8 NaturalTriad.com
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