“CAREGIVER CLING” is the newest phrase in the home health care field. It describes the phenomenon of a dependent person who feels severe separation anxiety whenever his or her primary caregiver is away. This can happen even if the caregiver is simply in another part of the home, which is out of sight from the dependent person. It is a frequent and stressful problem for anyone who takes primary care of another person. The number one complaint from caregivers is their lack of time off. When this need is denied or postponed, it can lead to depression in caregivers. Thus, the caregiver faces a double-edged sword. Is it better to deny one’s own need for respite, and suffer the consequences, or take the time off, and have the patient suffer from separation anxiety? Here are steps that you can take to avoid this dilemma.

It is important to recognize both the symptoms and causes of “caregiver cling.” The dependent person can express anger, fear, anxiety, and sadness. These feelings are frequently aimed at the caregiver and family members in close contact with the patient. As a caregiver, you need to anticipate this type of reaction and brace yourself. Based on your patient’s personality, you need to make an advance plan. The plan should include: your schedule of time off, the explanation you will give to the patient, a description of the substitute caregiver, and most importantly, the emotional reassurances you will give to the patient. The goal is to help the dependent person successfully cope with the substitute caregiver.

A contributing cause of “caregiver cling” is an overprotective caregiver! It is important to introduce alternative caregivers from time to time, and allow them to take care of the patient. This pays off by preventing caregiver burnout and giving the patient exposure to other caregivers. This also sets up a backup plan for care, in case of emergency.

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