caregiver break? opinions wanted

mandana · Mar 6, 2006

I just lost my FIL to terminal illness and I can tell you that the caregiver stress (which was NOT me, by the way) is immense. I think it would be wonderful to give him a break. I can assure you he needs it.

I don't know the answer to the meds question. I chose not to administer meds to FIL because it seemed like a gray area (esp. since I'm just a student) but I was able to help a lot in other ways.

It's nice that you want to help in this way, I definitely say "go for it".

Amanda

LEL · Mar 6, 2006

I have a situation I would like opinions on. A little background: there is a man I know of I'll call "Fred". Fred is probably 25-30 years my senior. Fred was recently diagnosed with cancer. He's home now. Has been for about 2 months or so. I have heard (around our small town) that he won't live much longer.
We went to dinner tonight with a good friend "Chris". Chris knows everyone in our small town. A man came into the restaurant & sat at the table beside us. Chris began talking to him. He has been caring for Fred since he's been home. He says Fred doesn't have much longer to live & that it's (the end) comming fast. He was talking to Chris about how he needed a break. He says he misses work, and how exausted he is. He looked exaused too. He was there for maybe 10 minutes. I don't know who was with Fred for that few minutes.
My deal....I would like to help out the caregiver. Just give him a day or half a day away to himself. As a friend, not as a nurse. Is that possible? Fred has cancer & painful tumors, I'm sure he's getting pain meds. Can I give them (if needed) as a caregiver, not as a nurse? He says Fred is pretty much out of it most of the time & the end is near. I would just like to help the caregiver. Give him a day off. What is your opinion?
Sorry this is so long. :)

I am sure he would appreciate any help you could give. Call your BON and ask for advice. Bless you for wanting to help.

clee1 · Mar 6, 2006

I have a situation I would like opinions on. A little background: there is a man I know of I'll call "Fred". Fred is probably 25-30 years my senior. Fred was recently diagnosed with cancer. He's home now. Has been for about 2 months or so. I have heard (around our small town) that he won't live much longer.
We went to dinner tonight with a good friend "Chris". Chris knows everyone in our small town. A man came into the restaurant & sat at the table beside us. Chris began talking to him. He has been caring for Fred since he's been home. He says Fred doesn't have much longer to live & that it's (the end) comming fast. He was talking to Chris about how he needed a break. He says he misses work, and how exausted he is. He looked exaused too. He was there for maybe 10 minutes. I don't know who was with Fred for that few minutes.
My deal....I would like to help out the caregiver. Just give him a day or half a day away to himself. As a friend, not as a nurse. Is that possible? Fred has cancer & painful tumors, I'm sure he's getting pain meds. Can I give them (if needed) as a caregiver, not as a nurse? He says Fred is pretty much out of it most of the time & the end is near. I would just like to help the caregiver. Give him a day off. What is your opinion?
Sorry this is so long. :)

I am assuming you are a RN by your handle.

I'm sure Fred and the caregiver would both appreciate you stepping in to help out.

While I don't know this for sure, and you would be wise to check with the BON, I'd bet good money that administering ordered meds to Fred would not be a problem. HOWEVER, I'd be darned sure to document every little step you take whilst caring for Fred.

God bless you, Nurse, for caring.

Nurse-To-Be-Joy · Mar 6, 2006

I was my mom's caregiver for a long time. The stress really is immense. Offer to do what you can. A break is always a very welcome thing. Even a short one.