THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, December 31, 1995 TAG: 9512290023
SECTION: COMMENTARY PAGE: J4 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Short : 32 lines
The profile of two Hampton Roads caregivers (Nov. 2) provided some insight into the demands of care-giving but did not address ways in which we as friends, neighbors or family can help.
Sometimes we are uncertain as to how we may be helpful, or caregivers may be reluctant to ask for help or may not even know they are so overwhelmed. Some suggestions: Make regular visits to the caregiver and the care recipient - with opportunity for companionship or a listening ear; telephone regularly to see how things are going, with time to listen and find if anything is needed; send cards or notes to let care-givers know they are not forgotten; run errands; furnish food; assist with transportation - to medical appointments or treatments, or perhaps just an afternoon drive, if feasible; offer to do odd jobs, from yard work to inside fix-it jobs; and offer to sit with the care recipient on a regular basis so that the caregiver may have some relief and meet some of his or her own needs.
Readers should take a moment to reflect on the care-givers they know and extend a helping hand.
CAROLYN W. SAVINSKY, R.N.
Portsmouth, Dec. 18, 1995 by CNB