Fernanda’s social worker was a big help: she assured her that her negative feelings were normal.
Transcript
What the renal unit had which was a phenomenal source of support for me—and I don’t know if they still have it or not—was when shortly after dad, shortly after dad died and after mom went back on dialysis and I was going through a really tough time, really tough—I was trying to juggle the job, mom’s appointments, I didn’t know if she was going to, trying to deal with the grief of losing my dad, I don’t know if she was going to make it or not—and I was just really, really overwhelmed. And, her name was [name of social worker], and she was a type of a social worker, and she would come and see me at my work for an hour. So I’d take my lunch once a week and she would come and talk to me. And there were times there when I don’t how I would have done it, because she gave me the skills. By talking to me and by making suggestions and understanding. And whenever I had these feelings and I’d say, “How can I be feeling this?” the words out of her mouth were always, “It’s normal. You’re okay.” When you don’t feel okay, when you don’t feel normal, she was a huge support for me and, again, this was by the health region and I don’t know whether they offer it anymore or not—I don’t think they do. And she, in turn, her husband got cancer and she became a caregiver, so it’s funny how the wheel sort of turns around.
More from: Fernanda
More content
- Travelling, holidays and respite – Fernanda
When Fernanda is hiking in the mountains, there is no cell reception. Although she feels guilty, being unavailable is a relief. - Hospitals and facilities – Fernanda
Fernanda found good support from the client advocacy office, when her mother was in great pain without any specific treatment for it. - Challenging emotions and feelings – Fernanda (2)
When Fernanda’s mother went into a facility, Fernanda felt like she was betraying and abandoning her. - Challenging emotions and feelings – Fernanda
Fernanda’s social worker was a big help: she assured her that her negative feelings were normal. - Effects of care recipients’ behaviour – Fernanda
Fernanda appreciates her mother’s endurance and attitude. Nonetheless, it is sometimes difficult when she relies mostly on Fernanda and refuses other help that is offered to her. - Caring for yourself – Fernanda
Fernanda learned that you need to have time for fun. Still, it can be hard to take time for herself. - Impact on professional life and career – Fernanda
Fernanda asks employers to put themselves in the caregivers’ shoes; it is really hard to balance care and work. - Impact on health – Fernanda
A social worker helped Fernanda find the skills she needs to cope with her situation. - Providing support – Fernanda
The toughest thing that Fernanda did was tell the doctors that she wasn’t able to care for her mother anymore at home. - Society and caregiving – Fernanda
Fernanda thinks it would be wonderful if people knew more about what it means to be a caregiver.