If you are an informal caregiver, it is vital that you have the right support system to provide care and support to your loved one. You may receive support from your family, friends, neighbors, or community care services. An informal caregiver may also benefit from having some time to participate in social activities. As a caregiver, you may need to consider the following issues:
The Issues
Informal caregivers face many problems with ICT solutions. These issues could include navigation via menus, search options and help options. Some caregivers might also experience difficulties logging on and using the applications. A caregiver may also report problems with ICT solutions. These issues can affect the effectiveness of ICT-based support for informal caregivers.
Informal caregivers often feel helpless to change the circumstances. They may feel dependent on the patient or their families and fear being considered a caregiver. They may also feel powerless when changes are needed for the patient.
Characteristics
These are characteristics of informal caregivers, those who give care to others. These individuals are often unpaid, but their contributions are indispensable for a wide range of purposes. These individuals help to support older and sick people who are incapable of caring for themselves. These people are often partners for the care receiver. The characteristics of the care receivers could also have an impact on the characteristics the informal caregivers.
The intensity and nature of informal caregiving varied widely between informal caregivers. Informal caregivers offered different hours and times of care, depending on the patient and time. The caregiving effort at one month was significantly higher than at three months. However, at six months the hours were only slightly lower. Furthermore, informal caregiving involved more than just taking care of the patient; it also included additional social support. 20% of informal caring activities involved chores at home.
Needs
Informal caregivers have unique needs. Their needs will vary greatly from caregivers and caregivers and may also include cultural differences. Caregivers need the appropriate information and it must be timely. Informal caregivers might also benefit from culturally sensitive communication and information.
Information is vital for informal caregivers. There are many ways to obtain this information. Informal caregivers often turn to the internet for information. But, informal caregivers may be concerned about the reliability or validity of information found on the internet. This is why we have listed several trusted sources of information to help informal caregivers.
Resources
Informal caregivers may have practical, emotional, and spiritual information needs. Some organizations offer information services for informal caregivers. Some caregivers might need a listening ear to discuss their issues or find solutions to problems. Whatever their needs, resources for informal caregivers may be a valuable resource. This list contains only a handful of examples. For example, caregivers can contact organizations that offer free phone information services.
Resources for informal caregivers can include online resources, printed pamphlets, films, videos, and more. Informal caregivers have different learning styles so it is important to choose the right format.