A new American Heart Association Web
site -- americanheart/caregiver -- is addressing the
emotional needs of the approximately 50 million people in the United States
caring for a family member or friend who has a chronic medical condition.
Many of these people are helping survivors of heart disease or stroke,
the nation's No. 1 and No. 3 killers and the cause of many disabilities
survivors can't manage alone. The need for more caregivers is expected to
grow rapidly as the population ages.
"This new Web site provides practical resources for caregivers who
don't have any training and suddenly find themselves in this situation,"
said Barry Jacobs, Psy.D. a clinical psychologist, family therapist and
author of the book The Emotional Survival Guide for Caregivers. "The
demands put on family members in a caregiving role are increasing, and we
need to offer the resources to help them cope."
A recent online survey of caregivers who use the primary American Heart
Association Web site and other resources confirmed that family caregivers
who give so much to their loved ones need more and better help to care for
themselves.
Most caregivers surveyed reported having personal risk factors for
heart disease, stroke and many other diseases. Risks mentioned frequently
included high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes and obesity.
Caregivers also reported that feelings of stress, depression and anxiety
were common, and said they need help to manage their feelings.
The American Heart Association has responded with a suite of materials
to support caregivers, including the new Web site. With sections titled
"Rejuvenate," "Refresh," Reach Out" and "Replenish," the site gives
caregivers practical, proven ways to take charge of their own health and
emotional well- being. Modules include tips for communicating with family
and friends about their situation, a guide to healthy eating and food
preparation, as well as a Heart of Caregiving downloadable journal to help
them prioritize their personal needs. A pre-printed journal and an Italian
charm bracelet featuring the "Nine Caregiver's Rights," can be purchased
via the Web site. In addition, a copy of the caregiver bookmark, brochure,
resource guide and medical information magnet can be requested free of
charge by calling 800-AHA-USA1.
"I frequently see patients who are not only burdened by the emotional
strain of caregiving, but are also letting their physical health decline as
a result of the entire focus being on the family member," said Jacobs. "The
resources on this Web site are a great reminder that the emotional and
physical health of the caregiver are just as important as the health of the
person for whom they are caring."
Founded in 1924, the American Heart Association today is the nation's
oldest and largest voluntary health organization dedicated to reducing
disability and death from cardiovascular diseases and stroke. These
diseases, America's No. 1 and No. 3 killers, claim more than 910,000 lives
a year. In fiscal year 2004-05 the association invested over $473 million
in research, professional and public education, advocacy and community
service programs to help all Americans live longer, healthier lives. To
learn more, call 1-800-AHA-USA1 or visit americanheart.
American Heart Association
americanheart