Caregiving and Liver Disease: Challenges and Support
As a caregiver of someone living with liver disease, you may share many of the same emotions your care recipient is experiencing, such as fear, isolation, or even anger. To avoid the burnout that is often felt while dealing with an illness, it is important to take care of the care recipient and yourself. The following information, provided by the Canadian Liver Foundation, is designed specifically with caregivers in mind.
You can play an essential role in the care recipient’s life by lending a hand. Here are some tasks that can be helpful:
Everyday tasks
- Help with activities of daily living such as feeding, bathing, grooming, and dressing.
- Provide support with home chores such as cleaning, cooking/meal preparation and running errands.
- Help your care recipient move around the house and outside.
Medical tasks
- Assist with organizing medications by using a schedule, giving reminders of dose times, keeping track of supply and need of refills.
- Be observant for signs and symptoms of worsening liver disease and medication side effects.
- Accompany them to medical appointments and help them understand medical information.
These helpful tips and recommendations were developed in part by people who have cared for those with liver disease.
Everyday tips
- Do not be ashamed to ask for help yourself. Seek out others who could share the caregiving load with you.
- Do not neglect your own needs, both emotional and physical.
Emotional tips
- Having a support network is vital for your own emotional wellbeing.
- Create a list of coping mechanisms that can help you when you’re feeling overwhelmed and work through any stressors that may come your way.
Medical tips
- Ask your healthcare provider to help you find the resources you need.
- Do not leave the doctor’s office until you are fully satisfied with your understanding of the information provided.
Financial and other support
- Caregiver Assistance from the Government of Canada
- Financial Budget Calculator Tools from the Government of Canada
- Many employers belong to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and provide free counselling services to employees. Contact your benefits advisor at your workplace for details on how to access this support.
- Join OCO’s Peer Support Program and get connected with other caregivers
- Call our 24/7 Caregiver Helpline 1-833-416-2273 (CARE) or use the Live Chat to find resources in your community
- Connect with Canadian Liver Foundation to learn more about liver disease and available resources and support
- Home Care Services by Province/Territory (From Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association)
- How to Stay Healthy and Active as a Caregiver
- Liver-Friendly Recipes (Canadian Liver Foundation)
- Provincial/Territorial Caring for Seniors Forum from the Government of Canada
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