Making connections and getting help with ARK Support Group
Act of Random Kindness -Support Group take a closer look at what a caregiver is and what a support person is
The roles of a caregiver and a support person were clearly defined at a support group meeting on Saturday.
ALSO SEE: ARK Support Group reflects on 2018
Members of the Act of Random Kindness (ARK) Support Group met at the AFM Church to discuss the final part in a series that differentiated between a caregiver and a support person when working with someone who is physically or mentally ill.
Battling diseases such as cancer, several of the members spoke from experience when the tasks of caregivers and supporters were discussed.
One of the founding members, Shailen Sunderpersad, emphasised that a caregiver is there to help with physical tasks like bathing and eating, while a support person is there for emotional and mental support.
What is a support person?
1. Help a loved one heal through support, encouragement, and communication during their illness.
2. Help a loved one to become independent.
3. Give emotional help to loved ones.
4. Purely provide support and do not become a caretaker or enabler.
He did, however, warn that the line between the two could be easily blurred and in some instances, people providing support become ‘enablers’.
What is a caregiver?
1. Also known as home health or professional care aiders.
2. Give assistance to people who are sick, injured, mentally or physically disabled or the elderly and fragile.
3. Work in the home and help their clients with daily activities such as bathing, taking medication and some housework.
4. Help clients keep their doctor’s appointments, provide or arrange transport and act as a companion.
He explained that caregivers and support people should know where the ill person’s strengths lie and build on those strengths.
“It is important that when a person is sick, they do not take advantage of their caregivers. If someone can brush their teeth by themselves, the caregiver should ensure that they do this. It must not become an over-dependent relationship,” said Mr Sunderpersad.
In conclusion, it was unanimously agreed that the benefits of joining a support group far outweigh a social media group or a helpline.
“At a support group meeting, you can see people’s faces and their expressions, and learn from their experiences on a personal level,” added Mr Sunderpersad.
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