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www. kennyanderson. org (256) 679 -4241 (256) 883 -3993 Facebook: Kenny Anderson City of Huntsville Multicultural Affairs Impact with Kenny Anderson Twitter: thereal. Kenny. A Mcultural. Hsv

Caring for the Caregiver 31 ST INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM ON CHILD ABUSE THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 2015 8: 30 – 10: 00 AM

My Contract with Myself My key learning for this seminar was……………… In my current position, I can use this information to……………. . I am going to share this information with. . . . I plan to develop my skills in this area by………

Learning Objectives Identify the major and minor signs of caregiver fatigue Identify when caregivers should seek help Identify where caregivers can find help

Emotional Intelligence (EI)

What’s your EQ?

Caregiver’s Checklist I feel selfish when I put my needs before others’ needs. In many instances, I find myself unable to stop caring for others. I love my work so much I find myself working during non-work hours. If I I don’t do it, no one will. want to exercise and eat right, but I can’t find the time.

Caregiver’s Checklist I rarely have a choice as how I use my ‘spare’ time. I get exhausted easily. I tend to worry a lot. It’s hard for me to sleep at times because there’s always a lot on my mind. I skip meals sometimes or remain at my workplace while eating meals.

Perspective “Caregiving is universal. There are only four kinds of people in the world: those who have been caregivers, those who currently are caregivers, those who will be caregivers, and those who will need caregivers. ” ~Rosalyn Carter

Balance is the key….

This looks like a job for ………. . !

Creation of the Super”Caregiver” Understaffing Limited resources Scheduling Deadlines Desire to Succeed Commitment Competence Passion

Balance is the key….

One of the family…. .

The Law of the Oxygen Mask

The Challenge of One-Directional ‘Caring’ Sleep deprivation Poor nutritional habits Lack of exercise Poor time management Poor stress management

The Challenge of One-Directional ‘Caring’ Mental confusion (poor decision making) Substance use/abuse Acute/chronic illness (physical/mental) Burnout Premature death

Dealing with the “Guilt” of Taking Care of Me

The Key

The Pursuit of ‘Me’

Stress Management Recognize and respond to the warning signs (don’t deny or ignore) Identify the source(s) of stress Controllable vs. Uncontrollable worry (do something)

Time Management Prioritize Establish boundaries Learn to say “No”

Constructive Communication Listen to yourself (learn from your emotions) Listen to others (most important tool) Ask for help and be prepared to accept it (be specific) Respect others’ rights/feelings Be accountable for what you say

Your Health Is Your Wealth Exercise (find something that you enjoy) Eat a healthy diet Get a good night’s sleep Think positively (surround yourself with a positive support system) Talk to a health professional

You Need a Network Find an accountability partner Nourish creativity Talk to a therapist Use technology Seek respite care

Change your Environment Daily

Take a vacation

Unplug

Invest in a Hobby

Celebrate Early and Often

Laugh… Cry

The Reward for ‘Hard’ Work

Two hands…

My Contract with Myself My key learning for this seminar was……………… In my current position, I can use this information to……………. . I am going to share this information with. . . . I plan to develop my skills in this area by………

www. kennyanderson. org (256) 679 -4241 (256) 883 -3993 Facebook: Kenny Anderson City of Huntsville Multicultural Affairs Impact with Kenny Anderson Twitter: thereal. Kenny. A Mcultural. Hsv