Drew would like the healthcare system to recognize caregivers’ contributions.
Transcript
We feel like, as family, we feel like we are contributing to the public health system in a very material way, if nothing else. And yet, that’s not always how we’re received. So, if it’s a little extra, I don’t know, recognition around something like holding a cigarette, or whether it’s a little extra support in terms of accessing respite, accessing support groups, accessing really anybody with practical, hands-on experience, we feel that we should be able to do that because, again, for us, if nothing else, we have, by making a decision to keep her at home, we are materially saving the wider public purse quite significantly. And that, I think, is worthy of a little bit of leeway as far as accessing the assistance when we do need it, because we don’t do it that often. All things considered, that time that she was in the hospital—that would have been 3 years ago—that was the first time she had been to a hospital in 20 years. So we must be doing something right, right?
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- When care changes over time – DrewDrew describes two critical points during the course of his mother’s disease when his family had to make significant adjustments.
- Uncovering how and why caregivers care – DrewDrew thinks caregivers need to feel they can overcome most obstacles.
- Trying to find the right balance 2 – DrewWhile working on finding the right balance, Drew’s most important objective is to make sure his mother has the best possible care.
- Trying to find the right balance – DrewDrew and his family have made many changes to keep the right balance over the years.
- The future and caregiving – Drew“The future is 5 minutes from now.” Drew wants to focus on making sure his mother receives the best care possible.
- Support from family and friends – DrewDrew’s siblings all had different reasons to be involved in the care or not.
- Society and caregiving – DrewDrew would like the healthcare system to recognize caregivers’ contributions.
- Navigating the system – DrewAccess is a two-way street. You have to want to reach out, and there has to be something to reach out to. Drew found that there is no single person or place that can meet your needs fully.
- Legal issues – DrewAs a legal guardian for his mother, Drew considers alternatives on a yearly basis to ensure she is receiving the best possible care.
- Hospitals and facilities – DrewHospital staff can make use of the knowledge caregivers have about their loved-ones, as in Drew’s case.