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Caregivers and Their Well Being

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CAREGIVERS AND THEIR WELL BEING

Organization: Topical
General Purpose: To inform
Specific purpose: I would like to inform my audience what it involves to be a caregiver and the affects on their quality of life.
Central Idea: To really understand the needs of a caregiver and the affects of their loved ones trauma on their quality of life, we must learn the role of the caregiver, the impact the trauma has on their lives, and the resources out there to help prevent a diminished quality of life.

Introduction
I. I. Attention Getter: I remember the day I got the news about my husband’s injuries. All I could think was “is he alive? Will he be ok? What can I do to help him get back on his feet?” Nothing prepared me for what would follow or how my life would take a backseat.
II. II. Relevance: According to the Family Caregiver Allegiance, evidence shows that most caregivers are ill prepared for their role and provide care with little or no support, while suffering from poor health themselves.1
III. III. Credibility: As a caregiver myself, I have learned to readjust to the new life my husband and I have acquired. With help, I’ve realized how much of the tragedy had affected me and my health and the necessary steps to take and better myself so I can continue to provide him quality care.
IV. IV. Central Idea: To really understand the needs of a caregiver and the affects of their loved ones trauma on their quality of life, we must learn the role of the caregiver, the impact the trauma has on their lives, and the resources out there to help prevent a diminished quality of life.

Transition: Globally, anyone from children to aging adults in any gender can take on the responsibilities as an informal caregiver. Let’s take a look at the role of a caregiver.

BODY
I. I. A caregiver is someone who provides physical, emotional and mental support and care regardless of pay and relationship to the individual. A. A. In a survey for The National Alliance for Caregiving and AARP, more women than men are caregivers, with an estimated 66% of caregivers being female.2 B. B. Although men may be sharing in caregiving tasks more than in the past, women still shoulder the major burden of care. The care covered usually refers to the activities of daily life such as dressing, transfers, housework, managing budgets and so on.3 C. C. Caregivers between the ages of 15-24 dedicate a minimum of 14.8 hours a week to caregiving and as the age group increases so does the time spent on our loved one.4

Transition: Now that we see the role of the caregivers, let’s take a look how taking on these roles impacts the well being of the caregiver.

I. II. There is evidence to support that family members that provide care to individuals with chronic or disabling conditions are at risk themselves. A. A. Caregivers have higher levels of stress than noncaregivers. They describe feeling frustrated, angry, drained, guilty or helpless as a result of providing care.5 B. B. Working class caregivers have work-related issues with handling dual roles, often times having to arrange work schedule, decrease in hours or taking unpaid leave in order to meet their responsibilities. C. C. Caregivers suffer from increased rates of physical ailments (including acid reflux, headaches, and pain/aching), increased tendency to develop serious illness, and have high levels of obesity and bodily pain.

Transition: As we can see, caregiving can affect every part of our lives and well being. Resources are available to help us maintain our health and address our needs. I. III. Increasing appropriate mental health services and medical care for family caregivers are important steps toward addressing caregiver health. A. A. Relying on friends or family members for information, care or support can help alleviate the daily stressors B. B. Caregiver education and support programs to help you put in place a caregiver plan and meet your needs as well C. C. Most importantly, taking a break to reduce the burden and take care of you.6

Transition: It’s easy to lose yourself in the care for others, but help is available so you won’t have to suffer and become a health statistic.

CONCLUSION

I. I. Summary: From as young as a child to the ripe old age of 75, it is human nature to care for our loved one. We lose our identities, sometimes our jobs, our health is diminished and relationships will get strained. It is important to realize that when a tragedy debilitates your loved one, it affects everyone and everything. You will face these challenges because you are dedicated to that person not seeing its affects on you until it’s too late. Take the time to educate yourselves. It is a widespread issue. If you haven’t been a caregiver, you most likely will be or receive the care.
II. II. Memorable Closing: To quote my husband, Will Hoyum, who acknowledges my role as his caregiver but appreciates me as his wife “I got blown up in Afghanistan and all I got was this Puerto Rican wife!”

References

1”Caregiver Health." Family Caregiver Alliance. N.p., 10 Mar. 2006. Web. 10 Apr. 2014. . 2”Selected Caregiver Statistics." Family Caregiver Alliance. N.p., 31 Dec. 2012. Web. 08 Apr. 2014. .
3 "Selected Caregiver Statistics." Family Caregiver Alliance. N.p., 31 Dec. 2012. Web. 08 Apr. 2014. . 4”Selected Caregiver Statistics." Family Caregiver Alliance. N.p., 31 Dec. 2012. Web. 08 Apr. 2014. . 5”Caregiver Health." Family Caregiver Alliance. N.p., 10 Mar. 2006. Web. 10 Apr. 2014. . 6Smith, Melinda, and Jeanne Segal. "Caregiving Support & Help." : Tips for Making Family Caregiving Easier. N.p., Feb. 2014. Web. 10 Apr. 2014. .

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