326 chapter 15: Support for caregivers
To the health worker:
Health workers can help caregivers.
When you treat a woman with a
disability, try to discuss with her
the relationship she has with her
caregiver. If her caregiver comes with
her, talk with them both about their
relationship and about what each
needs from the other.
Encourage the caregiver to talk about
her own feelings. Listen to the caregiver
Talk with the caregiver to see if she has
any problems you can help her with.
and let her talk. Do not scold her for
feeling frustrated or upset. Assisting another person is hard work. Remind
the caregiver that it is natural to sometimes feel sad, angry, or frustrated.
Ask the caregiver about her own needs. Encourage her to take care of
herself as well as the person she helps.
Try to find someone who can give the caregiver a break. Everyone needs
some time for themselves. See if you can find another person in the family
or in the community who could help out for a little while.
If necessary, teach the caregivers in your community any health care
and counseling skills they may need to take better care of the woman with
a disability they are assisting.
IMPORTANT There is a difference between a person feeling frustrated,
and hurting the person they help. Sometimes caregivers get so stressed and
angry that they are dangerous to the person they are taking care of. Always
be alert for signs of abuse when you examine a disabled woman (or any
woman), and try to talk to her alone to make sure she is not being abused
by her caregiver in any way. See Chapter 14 for more information about
abuse and violence toward women with disabilities.
I have learned a lot from the
women with disabilities I have
assisted. I am so inspired by their
determination. They have taught
me by example that we can all
overcome the barriers we face to
live a full and rich life.
A Health Handbook for Women with Disabilities 2007