Family caregivers, unpaid and unsung.
Photo courtesy of AARP Public Policy Institute.
November is, among other things, the month designated as family caregiver month. These are the 40 million or so people who provide care to loved ones at home, often by themselves. This can range from the basic tasks of daily living that a loved one can no longer perform by themselves, like bathing, dressing, and eating, as well as complex nursing care involving injections, wound and ostomy care, and more.
Helping nurses help the helpers.
In this season of short days and family holidays, it seems like a good time to remind you of the free resources AJN has for nurses and for the caregivers whom you work with. We’ve developed these articles and teaching videos in a decade-long partnership with the AARP Public Policy Institute directed by Susan Reinhard, and with the Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing at the University of California-Davis.
Teaching videos and tip sheets to share with caregivers.
Each article covers the evidence behind what and how you should teach a caregiver on a particular topic and is associated with a video demonstrating techniques and procedures for the caregiver to follow.
Articles also include a tip sheet that you can copy and give to caregivers. The tips review key points and include links to instructional videos, which are available to caregivers on AARP’s Home Alone Alliance site in both English and Spanish and can also be accessed on AJN’s website. Topics cover administering medications (including injections and eye drops); skin, wound, and ostomy care; moving patients safely; preventing and managing falls.
We hope you will find these resources useful. Watch for more articles and videos to come in 2019. (We welcome your feedback on whether you find these articles helpful, or if there are specific topics or procedures you’d like us to cover.)
As an oncology nurse navigator, I frequently come across family patient caregivers who are overwhelmed. The Home Alone Alliance website addresses most of the frequent concerns. It’s a great resources, and I’ve shared it with my colleagues at work. Thank you!