Page 9 - BARMC Guide 2017 MOBILE

For The Caregiver
As a caregiver, you may
feel overwhelmed at times. These tips may make the care giving process easier and help you get the support you need while caring for your loved one.
Educate Yourself
Get all the information you can about the patient’s illness and how to care for them. e more you know, the less anxiety you’ll feel, and the more e ective you’ll be. Make a list of tasks required: medicines, treatments, meals, doctor appointments, etc.
Seek Out Support
Seek support from other caregivers, support groups, a therapist, counselor, family, friends or your place of worship. Nurture close relationships; don’t let yourself become isolated.
For more information visit, caregiver.org, eldercare.gov or archrespite.org
Take Time For Yourself
• Relax daily and take breaks as often as needed.
• Pray, meditate, or do an activity that makes you feel part of something greater.
• Watch out for signs of depression and anxiety, and get professional help if needed.
• Don’t give up activities that are important to you such as a hobby or visiting with friends.
• Exercise, eat right, rest, and keep up with your own healthcare. Keep your own doctor appointments and notice your own physical condition.
• Know Your Limits
• Be realistic about how much of your time and commitment you can give and set clear limits.
• You may need help from friends, other family members, as well as health professionals. Ask for help.
Utilize Community Services
ere are services to help caregivers in most communities. ese include adult day care centers, home health aides, home-delivered meals, respite care, transportation services, and skilled nursing.
Long Distance Care
If you are managing a loved one’s care from a distance, consider these tips:
• Subscribe to an electronic alert system that your loved one wears to summon immediate help.
• Get to know your loved one’s doctors and arrange to be updated via phone or email.
• Find local services that o er home help services, meal delivery or local transportation for your loved one.
• Scheduleregularcommunication with your loved one. A daily email, text, or quick phone call can let them know that they’re not forgotten and give you
peace of mind.
Let Us Know!
At Bay Area Regional Medical Center, our goal is to provide you with the best patient care. If at any time you have questions or concerns about the care that you or a family member is receiving or has received, do not hesitate to speak with
your nurse or the nursing supervisor.
If you feel your
issue wasn’t resolved,
please call Ext. 7107 with your compliments, complaints or concerns. You may call at any time during or a er your stay. In addition, you have the right to le a complaint with either or both the Texas Department of State Health
or e Joint Commission.
Texas Department of State Health Health Facility Compliance Group (MC 1979) P.O. Box 149347 • Austin, TX 78714-3199 Complaint hotline: 888-973-0022 Email: Enforcement@dshs.state.tx.us
O ce of Quality & Patient Safety e Joint Commission
One Renaissance Blvd. Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181 800-994-6610
Email: PatientSafetyReport@ jointcommission.org
Your Request Is Our Concern.
Delivering the best hospital experience is very important
to us! Dial Ext. 7107 from your phone and let us know how
we can meet your needs.
Thank you for choosing
Bay Area Regional
Medical Center!
How Are We Doing?
We care about your experience during your hospital stay. Please let us know if we can help you in the following ways:
• Respond quicker to your needs
• Explainthingsmoreclearly
• Help keep your room clean or more quiet
• Ease your pain
• Help you understand
every part of your care plan
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FOR THE CAREGIVER LET US KNOW!