Two years ago, Marlyn hurt her back helping her husband; she still lives with the effects of the injury.

Transcript

I mean, 2 years ago I injured my back because I was helping him. He was at the point where he could still just barely transfer out of his chair into another chair or into the car, something like that, even on and off the toilet because he was still using the toilet on his own then. And initially it was just a kind of a little help and it got to the point where it was, I was really having to try and lift him. And that’s when I injured my back. And I simply said, “I’m not doing that anymore.” Any kind of transferring is going to have to be with homecare people, and otherwise, I’m just not doing it because it’s taken 2½ years for my back to start to feel as if it’s somewhat better, not back to where it was. And it is just such a risk to caregivers because you really do keep doing things until you injure yourself.

---

Go back

More content

• Effects of care recipients’ behaviour -Marlyn
  Maryln noticed that care recipients can get caught up in their own needs and not see the impact they have on the people around them.
• Providing Support – Marlyn
  Marlyn had to find a balance between the physical care her husband required and her own limits in performing these kinds of tasks.
• Resources – Marlyn
  Marlyn strongly suggest that caregivers join a support group: you will find people who understand how you feel.
• Interaction with professionals – Marlyn
  When her doctor told her she needed to start taking holidays, Marlyn found it much easier to take regular respite.
• Home care and live-in caregivers – Marlyn (sound)
  Overall Marlyn has good experiences with the people that come to her home to care for her husband.
• Home care and live-in caregivers – Marlyn
  Although Marlyn is very satisfied with the homecare services, last minute cancellations can leave her in a difficult position.
• Challenging emotions and feelings – Marlyn
  Whereas outsiders might judge you, Marlyn learned that other caregivers understood her frustrations.
• Impact on health – Marlyn
  Two years ago, Marlyn hurt her back helping her husband; she still lives with the effects of the injury.
• The future and caregiving -Marlyn
  Marlyn and her husband designed their home to meet their future needs. She is amazed, however, to see how many things could have been better adapted to her husband's disability.
• Providing support – Marlyn
  Marlyn realises, during the interview, that problem solving is a big part of caregiving.