Karen Rigamonti and I both share a passion for caregivers as we both have had to assume that role with loved ones in our families.
We discuss how often the family caregiver is not valued as an integral part of the healing team and how well-meaning care providers may not include them in the conversation. We share that often the wrong questions are asked so that the patient or family caregiver responds they are fine.
The result is that while the disease itself is being well addressed they are not being fully seen as individuals with emotional and spiritual parts that need attention, too.
The system may have programs addressing the support needed but somehow this is not being conveyed to the patient and family who may not even know for what or whom to ask. Thus, expectations are not met and disappointment sets in even when the actual medical treatment is good.
