Caregiving Tricks and Treats | Aplastic Anemia & MDS International Foundation Return to top.

Caregiving Tricks and Treats

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Like Halloween, taking care of someone with a serious illness can be rewarding and scary at the same time.  Here are a few tricks to help you and some of the treats that come along with this important role in the care of your loved one.

Treats: While caregiving can be stressful, many caregivers report that caring for a loved one has positive aspects. Some report that caregiving gives their lives meaning, produces pride in their successes as caregivers, and is gratifying in allowing them to give back to someone else. Research also has shown that caregiving can have important positive effects, including:

  • A new sense of purpose or meaning in life
  • Fulfillment of a commitment to a spouse or child
  • An opportunity to give back to a parent some of what the parent has given to them
  • Renewal of religious faith
  • Closer ties with people through new relationships or stronger existing relationships

Tricks: For many, the challenges of caring for a family member or friend with a bone marrow failure disease have become part of their daily life. AA&MDSIF knows caregiving is a demanding role—and no one is fully equipped to do it alone.

Whether you are providing direct care for a patient with bone marrow failure—or you are just part of the “friends and family of a patient” experience—there may be many ways you can help. Here are just a few ideas:

  • Ask and tell! If you need help or know a caregiver that seems overwhelmed—be specific about what would actually be beneficial.  Here are some suggestions, but you likely already know what might help.
    • Offer to sit with a patient if needed to give the primary caregiver a few hours of “respite care”. Respite care provides short-term breaks that can relieve stress, restore energy and encourage the primary caregiver to take care of his or her self too!
    • Grocery shop
    • Help with laundry
    • Offer to drive to medical visits
    • Sort or organize medical bills or insurance documents so the patient or primary caregiver doesn’t have to take that time.
  • Remember, you are not alone! Because bone marrow failure diseases are so rare, it is often difficult to get in touch with others who are dealing with caregiving  issues similar to your own. The AA&MDSIF Support Connection has network of volunteers, including patients, caregivers and family members, willing to listen and offer comfort and support.
  • Explore other resources for caregivers.
  • Take a few moments to learn more about how to care for a caregiver.
  • You could start keeping family and friends updated on the situation to take some of the pressure off the person doing the primary care taking.
  • Communication is important. Have an honest conversation with family members to find out who can take care of which issues, and do not be afraid to ask for help.
  • Take some advice from an expert.
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