Despite wanting to help those they love, being a caregiver is not easy. The alliance\u2019s report indicates that 64% of caregivers report emotional stress from the responsibility. On average, they provide 27 hours of support a week, with about a quarter of caregivers providing 40 or more, according to the group\u2019s findings.<\/p>\n
With November being National Family Caregivers Month, local experts note the value of supporting and acknowledging the important responsibility bestowed on caregivers.<\/p>\n
Christi Jackson, a community social worker at Cancer Care Services, said she often initiates conversations about stress and anxiety when she speaks with patients\u2019 family members.<\/p>\n
\u201cTheir focus is on the patient and wanting to appear strong for and support them,\u201d Jackson said.<\/p>\n
Once she gets them talking, caregivers often become more receptive to detailing their challenges and asking for help, Jackson said.<\/p>\n
Being a caregiver for someone with a long-term chronic condition versus an acute condition, which is generally temporary, can impact providers in different ways, she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou can see how it wears on a person over time,\u201d Jackson said. \u201cPeople get adrenaline when it\u2019s a short burst, when they can see the end in sight. But when there isn\u2019t an end in sight, then it\u2019s a lot more challenging.\u201d<\/p>\n
The responsibility of being a caregiver can also feel isolating, Jackson said, especially if the caregiver lives alongside the person and \u201cthey\u2019re not able to get away.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cancer Care Services recently began providing sessions for caregivers so they can better communicate their needs and manage stress.<\/p>\n
Caregiver resources in Tarrant County<\/p>\n
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- Aging and Disability Resource Centers provides resources ranging from in-home care to transportation and meals for caregivers in Texas. Access resources here<\/a>.<\/li>\n
- Cancer Care Services provides financial assistance and social connection for those affected with cancer and their caregivers. Access resources here<\/a>.<\/li>\n
- UNT Health Fort Worth was selected by the Texas Department of State Health Services to increase local dementia support in Tarrant County. Access resources here<\/a>.<\/li>\n
- United Way of Tarrant County provides medical benefits counseling, home safety modifications and other resources for older adults and their caregivers. Access resources here<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
For Cooper, she\u2019s found a better balance over time between caring for Ramirez and self-care.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cObviously, I\u2019m honored to be a part of that journey for her,\u201d she said. \u201cBut I also have to acknowledge the goals in my life that I should attend to myself. Honoring that for myself, as well as honoring the role that I play in her life, and navigating and doing both respectfully and without regret, has been interesting.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cooper considers herself to be relatively blessed compared to other caregivers. Ramirez is still working and relatively independent.<\/p>\n
Being recognized for the work done as a caregiver can be helpful.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe name caregiver carries a lot of weight, and caregivers feel the pressure of that weight more often than not,\u201d Cooper said. \u201cUnfortunately, because of the conditions our loved ones are in, they may not be able to say it, feel it, express it, but I know that it\u2019s there. So having acknowledgement from outside people, it\u2019s not necessary, but it\u2019s valued.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ismael M. Belkoura is the health reporter for the Fort Worth Report. Contact him at ismael.belkoura@fortworthreport.org<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n
At the Fort Worth Report, news decisions are made independently of our board members and financial supporters. Read more about our editorial independence policy here<\/a>.<\/p>\n
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Fort Worth Report is certified by the Journalism Trust Initiative<\/a> for adhering to standards for ethical journalism.<\/p>\n
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- Cancer Care Services provides financial assistance and social connection for those affected with cancer and their caregivers. Access resources here<\/a>.<\/li>\n
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