Caring for Caregivers

August 14, 2007 12:57 PM

A child with a disability can cause great physical, emotional, and financial demands on parents, families, and caregivers, and the needs of caregivers are often ignored or forgotten. Caring for a child with a disability can create stress, depression, and physical problems.

Some parents and caregivers may frequently experience depression and sadness when a child with a disability does not achieve the same milestones as other children. Events such as birthdays, graduations,
and marriages can trigger these feelings as well. Some parents may fear that they cannot fully participate in other life roles such as husband or wife, son or daughter, student, employee, or volunteer because they
are too busy. Others feel guilty spending time away from a child with a disability, especially with other children who are developing normally.

Occupational therapists will take a family-centered approach to treatment of the child, helping caregivers maintain a lifestyle in which the child's needs are met as well as the rest of the family's.

What can an occupational therapist do?

  • Recognize that the needs of parents must be met in addition to the needs of a child with a disability.
  • Encourage parents to express their feelings of stress, anger, frustration, and sadness.
  • Explore coping strategies and encourage healthy lifestyles such as exercise, group or individual therapy, and involvement in other hobbies.
  • Stay informed of current research on conditions and intervention techniques to share with clients and families.
  • Assist in finding respite care to allow parents/family members to enjoy time alone.

What can an occupational therapist do?

  • Join a therapy or discussion group for parents and families with children with disabilities.
  • Share the responsibility a child with a disability creates within the family. Ask others for help.
  • Develop a schedule that distributes caregiving responsibilities.

(Adapted from www.aota.org)