Practical Tips for Caregivers
Caring for a loved one can be overwhelming physically, and emotionally. Often, as a caregiver, you find yourself in uncharted territory with more questions than answers. A good place to start is to recognize the need for support, practical tips, and self-care. It may be helpful to seek out a support group with others who understand what you are going through and share ideas and resources.
One local resource is Trellis Supportive Care. Recognizing how challenging the demands of caregiving can be, Trellis launched monthly Caregiver Confidence workshops. These workshops are free of charge and open to anyone in the community. Many participants will want to attend both of two sessions offered, with session one focusing on Tips and Tricks and session two focusing on Skills and Drills. Participants can attend just one, or both - held on the third and fourth Wednesday of each month from 9:00 am – noon on the Trellis Supportive Care campus in Winston-Salem.
Even for people with professional caregiving experience, it can be hard when it’s a loved one, and building your confidence and having some very practical education and hands-on training can make a difference. The workshops teach participants about organizing medical information, home safety, fall prevention, nutrition, caring for yourself; and there are actual drills for learning about safe transfers in and out of bed/chair, preventing bed sores, managing incontinence, and much more. Additionally, there is a lab set up that resembles a real home-like setting so that participants can practice what they are learning.
“We know it’s a challenging time in so many ways, and if we can give a little extra support by providing helpful tips and techniques, it’s all part of our mission in providing supportive care,” shared Virginia White, Senior Vice President of Clinical Operations. “Our Caregiver Confidence program was designed to help caregivers at the beginning of the journey right up through the more physically demanding times. We are pleased to offer this to anyone in the community, free of charge, regardless of your connection to Trellis Supportive Care,” added White.
Trellis Supportive Care has a dedicated nurse educator for the Caregiver Confidence workshops who will take time to answer questions and make participants feel comfortable. As part of the workshop, a complimentary lunch is provided, giving participants a chance to gather and talk following the workshop. To learn more or register, please call 336-768-3972 or visit TrellisSupport.org