Caregiving in Long-Term Care
by Family Councils Ontario
Family caregiving does not end when someone moves into Long-Term Care. The specifics of the activities of family caregivers will change, but neither the importance nor value of family caregivers ends.
The transition to Long-Term Care can be challenging not only for residents, but for their families as well. As the hands-on care is taken over by Home staff, families and residents may experience a range of emotions during the transition (e.g. guilt, grief, anxiety, sense of relief, powerlessness, sadness, loss, comfort etc…). In addition to handling all of the practical work that needs to be done when someone moves into LTC (paperwork, care planning etc…), families have a multitude of emotions to process as they determine what role they play in this new setting. Often, the family caregiver’s role shifts from primary caregiver to companion and advocate. In this new caregiving context, there may be an opportunity to shift back to the roles and relationships that were primary before caregiving requirements took over: spouse, son, daughter, niece, friend. While adjusting to LTC can be challenging, it can also be an opportunity to re-think and negotiate a new relationship.
New roles that family caregivers may play in LTC include:
- Companion: having the hands-on care delivered by Home staff means that families can spend their time visiting and socializing with their loved one without tending to feeding, toileting or medication delivery.
- Connector: bringing family members or friends to visit residents is a great way that families can help residents stay connected to the community.
- Advocate: family caregivers often advocate on behalf of their loved one and may advocate on behalf of all residents within the Home as a member of a family Council.
An excellent way to adjust to the new caregiving role and responsibilities is to join a Family Council. Navigating new care roles is challenging. The peer support provided by Council members can be invaluable in transitioning to Long-Term Care as a caregiver and processing the accompanying changes and emotions. Connecting with others who share a common experience or issue and providing one another with informational, practical and emotional support can go a long way towards helping families adjust to Long-Term Care and can help them navigate the care roles they now fulfill.
Stay tuned next week as we continue our October blog series on caregiving!