Who is Taking Care of the Caregiver?

Abstract

In neurology practices, the patient's caregiver is often overlooked, but it isessential to understand the importance of the caregiver in the management of achronic neurological condition. Caring for a loved one with a chronic conditioncan often be profoundly fulfilling, as many times individuals move closertogether when challenges arise; however it can also become overwhelming,physically and emotionally challenging, and isolating. At times, it can bethought of as a burden. Caregivers must learn to take care of themselvesphysically and emotionally. The multidisciplinary care model used in thetreatment of chronic medical conditions is important not only for the patient orcare recipient, but also for the caregiver. This care model allows for severalpractitioners to interact with the caregiver to assess and determine theoptional interventions. The purpose of this article is to review commoncaregiver challenges and to determine how, as providers, we can address and helpcaregivers more effectively care for themselves while maintaining theirresponsibility to the patient or care recipient.