In the realm of online therapy, understanding the multifaceted roles of caregivers is essential for practitioners. A recent study titled “Caregiving is like on the job training but nobody has the manual”: Canadian caregivers’ perceptions of their roles within the healthcare system provides valuable insights that can help therapists improve their practice and support for caregivers.
The study, conducted through qualitative interviews with 39 caregivers of individuals with chronic physical illnesses, identified four primary roles that caregivers often assume: resource, co-worker, co-client, and care coordinator. Each role comes with its unique challenges and responsibilities, which practitioners in online therapy can address to enhance the support provided to caregivers.
Caregiver as a Resource
Caregivers often start their journey without realizing the extent of their responsibilities. They naturally step into the role, driven by love and obligation. However, this transition can be overwhelming without adequate support and information.
Challenges:- Lack of informational support
- Limited capacity or interest in caregiving
- Inadequate training for medical decisions
- Provide clear, accessible information about caregiving responsibilities.
- Offer training sessions on basic medical procedures and decision-making.
- Create resource lists that caregivers can easily access.
Caregiver as a Co-Worker
Some caregivers develop a partnership-like relationship with healthcare professionals, feeling competent and empowered. However, this is not always the case, and many caregivers feel excluded from medical decisions and unsupported.
Challenges:- Lack of engagement and support from healthcare professionals
- Unrealistic expectations and negative remarks about caregiver abilities
- Limited training for home care tasks
- Foster open communication and involve caregivers in decision-making processes.
- Recognize and validate the caregiver’s knowledge and expertise.
- Provide ongoing training and support for home care tasks.
Caregiver as a Co-Client
Caregivers often neglect their own health needs, focusing entirely on the care recipient. Few see themselves as co-clients in need of support, which can lead to significant health impacts.
Challenges:- Neglecting personal health needs
- Lack of time or awareness of available support
- Feeling undeserving of support
- Encourage caregivers to prioritize their own health and well-being.
- Provide information about available support services and resources.
- Offer counseling and support groups for caregivers.
Caregiver as a Care Coordinator
Caregivers frequently take on the role of care coordinator, managing care across various institutions and providers. This role requires significant organizational skills and can be highly stressful.
Challenges:- Navigating fragmented care systems
- Limited authority to make decisions
- Need for additional resources and knowledge
- Assist caregivers in navigating the healthcare system and accessing resources.
- Provide tools and strategies for effective care coordination.
- Advocate for policy changes that support caregivers in this role.
Conclusion
Understanding the diverse roles of caregivers and their challenges is crucial for practitioners in online therapy. By implementing the insights from the study, therapists can better support caregivers, enhancing their well-being and the quality of care they provide.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: “Caregiving is like on the job training but nobody has the manual”: Canadian caregivers’ perceptions of their roles within the healthcare system.
