Suzanne Mintz – National Caregiving Family Association
This Week’s Featured Radio Podcast
Listen to Volume # 129 —“Suzanne Mintz – National Caregiving Family Association” (Podcast)
“Caregiving 101” on KKYX Radio 680am San Antonio, Texas
Hosts: Starr & Bob Calo–oy
Guest: Suzanne Mintz
Broadcast Date: August 7, 2010
Suzanne Mintz is the President and founder of the very first National Caregiving Organization, called National Family Caregiving Association. She refers to her book “Family Caregivers Speak Up”.
Suzanne’s husband has Multiple Sclerosis and she is very familiar with the caregiving world. She knows that many people don’t understand where the mixed emotions involved with being a primary caregiver come from. For example, you are much more prone to exhaustion, illness and depression as a caregiver, also suffering from caregiver burnout. Family caregivers lay a lot of guilt on their selves.
Unfortunately, as a caregiver, you will be often criticized by family members.
Some startling statistics:
46-59% of Caregivers are clinically depressed. You are twice as likely to suffer depression if your family member has depression, and if it’s your spouse you are twice as likely. 31 % of those caring for people 65+ describe their own health as poor. Spousal caregivers have a 63 % risk of dying as a caregiver, from stress and poor health. Fortunately, with foreknowledge you can lessen this risk by reaching-out to support groups and take time to rest and recharge your mind as well as immune system.
New healthcare reform should affect caregivers. This is the first time that the role of family caregivers in home health care has been written into law. Praise God!!! In the bill, there are 17 specific sections (in this 2000 page document) that specifically refer to caregivers and end-care. Many are concerning programs to be piloted or directed in care, with requirements. Patient-centered medical homes, coordinated with doctors will all be taken care-of. There are pilots that address transitions-care. You will even see some education for family caregivers in this bill. There is even one financial piece that will help working people put aside money for family caregiving.
Sleeping tips for you: earplugs, good mattress-sheets-pillows, only sleep in bed, don’t eat or watch television. No alcohol…it will actually keep you awake! If you need a nap, use darkening blinds or curtains. Make sure a fan is on for background sound, or make sure it’s quiet if that is your wish.
Sleeping tips for spouse or loved-one. Use baby monitor (takes worry away). Make sure they take early afternoon nap (cuddle even). Have soft music or fountain. If you loved one likes to pace or wonder around, let them until they are tired (as long as they can safely walk unassisted). If they can’t sleep after 30 minutes, encourage them to get up and read, or watch a peaceful television program.
Suzanne’s final advice:
Believe in yourself, protect yourself & your health, and protect your rights.
Starr & Bob Calo-oy created CaregiversAdvice.net to help, encourage, and support caregivers. Through weekly Radio Shows on KKYX 680am San Antonio, they host special guests who cover many unique topics concerning caregiving. They also have weekly TV Segments on KENS TV 5 San Antonio where they share caregiving and marriage tips. All of these programs are archived as Radio Podcasts and TV Podcasts for your easy listening. Visit their sister site, Marriage101.net for marriage help and encouragement. Starr has written Four Books on Caregiving.
