Counseling & Caregiver Support
Facing the many hardships of illnesses, diseases, or disorders that impact our lives and change us in more ways than we know can be very physically, emotionally, and mentally taxing. We must have a community of supporters in times of recovery, healing, and rehabilitation. Speech Language Pathologists (SLPs) also serve as professionals who aid in counseling clients and patients per the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA). More information is provided on how professionals such as SLPs and caregivers can support the patient.
Caregiver and Family Support
Being a caregiver for someone who is in need of extra support or assistance can be mentally and emotionally taxing at times. We can help educate caregivers and families on disorders and differences their loved one may be experiencing in order to gain an understanding of what it may feel like to be in their shoes. In addition to counseling families, resources such as support groups and educational presentations are made accessible to provide relief and a sense of community for families.
Tips on how to counsel and accommodate your loved one:
01. Listen
to your loved one to understand what they are feeling or what they want and need. Understand why they are feeling that way and empathize with them. Sometimes they need support more than a resolution.
02. Validate
their thoughts and feelings regardless of if they are positive or negative feelings. Toxic positivity, such as brushing off negative feelings and forcing on positive ones, will invalidate those feelings and prevent awareness and acceptance of those emotions.
03. Learn
about what disorders or difficulties they may encounter and how you can support them. There are several stages to experiencing the impacts of a disorder or big change in their life. Some may experience grief, frustration, anger, and sadness when they cannot do the same things they used to enjoy doing.
04. Ask
what their wants, needs, and wishes are (e.g., personal and therapy goals, level of independence, level of support desired, desired person to provide care, location of care, spiritual wants and needs, living will, etc.)
05. Take Breaks
Find ways to give yourself a break to take care of yourself to prevent burnout and mental and emotional tolls. You are trying your best to take care of your loved one, but don't forget to take care of yourself too!
CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUPS AND RESOURCES
CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUPS AND RESOURCES
You can also connect with other families you may encounter at the site of service, look up Facebook support groups, or search for support groups that are more local to you so you can meet with them in person!