Each November in the U.S., the Caregiver Action Network (CAN) raises awareness for the millions of family caregivers providing critical support to older adults and persons with disabilities. CAN’s theme for 2024, “I Care…”, as selected to help caregivers recognize and identify their role as a caregiver and encourage them to seek available supports. CAN, for example, provides free education and peer support, and most communities in the U.S. have a local Area Agency on Aging (AAA) that offer caregiver programs.
I believe that OT can also provide immeasurable support to caregivers of our patients. As the health partner who is looking at the patient from a holistic viewpoint and giving critical support to the patient’s ability to perform ADL and IDAL, OT’s impact caregivers.
There are several very deliberate ways OT can include caregivers and provide targeted support including building partnerships, explaining the “why”, providing tools to manage and motivate, and promoting self-care.
Caregivers are Your Partners
As occupational therapy professionals, we can intentionally build rapport with the person who is central to the patient’s daily life to maximize patient independence and well-being. Include caregivers in assessments and appointments and approach the care as a team. Written materials and handouts will help the caregiver reinforce your patient’s goals between therapy sessions.
Teach the “Why” and “How” of Modifications and Adaptations
Instruct both patients and caregivers on all modifications and adaptations that you recommend. Patients may not have the capacity to even make the simplest modifications, like removing throw rugs to reduce the risk of falls, so caregivers are the key to carrying out the work. The use of adaptive equipment to increase mobility and independence benefits the patient and the caregiver, many times in equal measure, so the caregiver needs to understand the purpose and proper use of equipment as much as the patient does.
Provide Motivational Tools
The caregiver is with the patient day in and day out and should be given the tools to motivate and encourage the patient to live the most independent and fulfilling life possible. When the caregiver understands and supports the short and long term goals of therapy, they can be the cheerleader at home to make sure the daily steps are taken to reach each goal. They are also in a great position to monitor and chart daily progress, not only to report to the health care team, but to motivate the patient.
Help Manage the Daily Details
Managing appointments, medications and lifestyle is central to the caregiver’s role. Acute conditions in particular can leave the family in need of tools to manage their new reality. Occupational therapists can provide strategies to manage medications and appointments, share the latest information on the condition or disease, and encourage positive lifestyle changes that the patient can implement with assistance from their caregiver.
Promote Self Care
Without the help and support of family caregivers, many patients would be in crisis. Yet, each of us have only so much to give and that includes even the most dedicated of caregivers. To help, make sure your patient’s caregiver is well connected to the resources available like case management services, respite care, in home care, support groups or financial assistance. Ultimately, care for the caregiver will mean better care for your patient and better outcomes.
Caregivers are a vital leader whether they are assisting with ADLs or IDALs, communicating and advocating with health care providers, providing some nursing care, or just staying current with health needs and management. So take time to mindfully build a strong relationship with the caregiver in your patient’s life. OTs need caregivers too!
