A switch in focus to caregiver support

05/26/20 • 20 min

Episode notes:
This episode is a switch in audience focus. As an occupational therapist of 22 years, I know where my passion lies and that is with building a connection between caregiver and loved one, building bridges from difficult to easy and from a life of dependency to greater independence. I have been a caregiver to my husband in the past and I know first hand the challenges that arise and the emotions that are not easily discussed.
This is the first episode that will focus on providing support, education, and weekly updates to make the experience of helping your loved one remain in the least restrictive living environment and age in place, less overwhelming.
Find me on FB and Instagram - Angela Rischpater

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If you need more help/support on your caregiving journey, you can find it over at https://www.caregiverbydesign.com/coaching
Free training now : watch a short free video I created on coaching vs caregiving https://www.caregiverbydesign.com/freetraining

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Previous Episode

OT and Lymphedema basics for in home treatment

Lymphedema can be quite difficult to manage and often neglected by the patient because of limited access to therapeutic interventions. In home care, an OT may find it difficult to get the patient started in an exercise program that is effective but it really can be simple. In this episode, I give examples of 2 active cases I am working with right now and how a simple to follow set of exercises has made a significant difference and taken one patient from a non-ambulatory status to walking into her bathroom (20 feet) with confidence, in just 2 weeks.
Simple home program for the patient to manage their lymphedema includes:

diaphragm breathing
isometrics
manual drainage
standing/walking
diet
hygiene

Getting your patient ready to attend outpatient Lymphedema treatment by a certified lymphedema therapist for further evaluation and interventions should be a goal to consider. You can offer intervention strategies with some basic understanding of lymphedema and confidently get them started towards improved lymphedema management.

RESOURCES TO CONSIDER
http://www.lymphedemablog.com/2018/03/16/diet-and-lymphedema/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+lymphedemablog+%28Lymphedema%3A+Inform+Yourself+and+Take+Control%29
https://www.lymphcareusa.com/patient/lymph-a-what/ask-elvy/what-is-a-certified-lymphedema-therapist-clt.html

https://www.uhn.ca/PatientsFamilies/Health_Information/Health_Topics/Documents/How_to_Do_Self_Lymphatic_Massage_Lower_Body.pdf

REFER TO PRIOR EPISODES
https://www.buzzsprout.com/807851/stats/episodes/2538970-the-first-ot-session-at-home

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Next Episode

Create Vision - don't lose site of what you want

As the caregiver, your role can be all-consuming and you might lose sight of how you want life to be. Maybe you have given up on trying to imagine your life any different than it is right now. It is a challenge to help manage your loved one's life and continue to live your own. In this episode, you will gain some simple strategies to help you focus on your goals, create a vision for personal goals, and minimize the overwhelm that you may be feeling as the caregiver. This will add value and quality to not only your life but your loved ones also.

I challenge you to think of your role as a caregiver as a business whether you are a paid caregiver or not. Let's face it, your most likely not doing this as a hobby. If you think of your loved one as your business partner and you can set goals and create a vision with your loved one, you will feel a change and see a difference. Invest in your business and watch it grow and flourish. Sounds way out there? It doesn't have to be such a stretch and when you change your mindset, you will find that it makes sense.

Support the show (https://angierischpater.mykajabi.com)