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OPERATION OXYGEN MASK:
Support for Caregivers
For more information on this section, please contact Laura Johnson.

SURVEY FOR PARENTS AND CAREGIVERS
What's your favorite way to take breaks or refresh? Even if it's an idea you haven't gotten to take advantage of yet, share it with others! Click here for the form!

Tips for Caregivers
Related Links

Think of each time you have flown in an airplane...and even though many of us neglect to pay attention to the in-flight safety briefing, we are all familiar with what to do if the oxygen mask drops: to start the flow of oxygen, you pull the mask towards you, place it firmly over your nose and mouth, secure the elastic band behind your head and breathe normally. They remind us that even though the bag does not inflate, we can be assured oxygen is flowing through it. If you don't get that mask on quickly (about 15 seconds), you may find yourself unconscious! If travelling with a child (or someone else who needs assistance), you are to first secure your own mask, and then assist the other person. Your first loving instinct may be to help your child, but you can't be very helpful to others if you pass out!

Problem: Tired, overwhelmed caregivers
Solution: Taking care of you!
  • As rewarding as it is to raise our special children, it's important for caregivers to remember to take care of themselves. We all know this but saying it to a familiar fellow caregiver would probably result in "the pot calling the kettle black" analogy. Caregivers often tend to allow themselves to become absolutely overwhelmed, exhausted, and at the end of their rope (a line I used with our child's therapist just recently). Coming soon, FKMAD's Operation Oxygen Mask (thanks to Laura Johnson for coining the term!) will offer practical ways to take care of ourselves, including resources and easy to implement plans of action. It doesn't mean you neglect your child or family...just means you find tools to help enrich your own being so that you can better care for that special child in your life and all the adventures he or she brings!

    • TIPS FOR CAREGIVERS

  • Getting out of the house and some place different really helps! I think we get stuck sometimes with out some different scenery. Not always easy to do and of course the best laid plans often don't work, but try again! We can give up when it is so hard to plan and coordinate, but after you do it once, it will be easier the next time.
    I think it is important to ALWAYS have something to look forward to.... something in the works, an idea a thought, a project, a TRIP... As you complete the one fun goal, plan something else. Do this for your family, and also have a 'me time plan' as the caregiver. It is always great to have something for your child to look forward to, but you must have something that is just for you too!
    -TJ from Land O'Lakes, FL
  • I like to light candles or use room spray. Pleasing scents make me feel happy and more relaxed.
    -MN from Tampa, FL
  • A special pillow for bedtime is a great treat! You can have a silk pillowcase, a fuzzy soft pillow, whatever you like. You can even spray them with a relaxing sheet spray. Sweet dreams!
    RB from FL
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    RELATED LINKS

  • Carepages.com
    Free personal websites that connect family and friends during illness & injury.
  • Family Caregiver Alliance
  • National Alliance for Caregiving
  • National Family Caregivers Alliance
  • Taking Care of YOU: Self-Care for Family Caregivers"
    Credits: Family Caregiver Alliance - National Center on Caregiving
    This article and step-by-step plan easily apply to all caregivers though it was prepared by those whose focus is the elderly.
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    DISCLAIMER: Though all attempts are made to provide accuracy, we are not responsible for inacurrate information on the site or that you may find through links that take you off of this site. All information contained within this site is for informational purposes only and not to be construed as medical advice. Please contact your physician for medical advice and treatment.

    ©2007-2008 Families of Kids with Mood and Anxiety Disorders, Inc.



     

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