Primary Caregiver of a Patient

“Caring for a patient is both a privilege and a right, as it offers the opportunity to enjoy companionship and learn more about life”

A caregiver is the person who assumes responsibility for the daily attention, support, and care of individuals who are ill (direct or extended family members, friends, neighbors, or paid professionals).

Ideally, a caregiver should possess certain qualities: realistic caregiving conditions (proximity, flexible schedules, physical and mental health), empathy without being overprotective or controlling, the ability to promote the patient’s autonomy, offer positive reinforcement, and set boundaries without guilt in response to excessive demands. They should also be capable of inspiring safety, trust, and open communication, listening without interruption, and demonstrating ethical responsibility.

At COINCIDIR, we assess areas of dissatisfaction experienced by caregivers and provide guidance tailored to their specific needs to support effective caregiving:

1. Psychotherapeutic support to help identify, express, and manage personal emotions such as ambivalence (“I want to go care for them, but I don’t feel like it”) and guilt (“How can I go out to eat if they haven’t eaten in a week?”, “As long as they’re sick, I can’t enjoy myself”), and to understand that aligning oneself with the patient’s limitations only weakens the caregiver’s role.

   
   

2. Training in self-care (relaxation techniques, meeting basic personal needs).

   
   

3. Instruction on the illness and treatment (following medical guidelines, organizing medications, preparing and administering treatments, managing solutions).

   
   

4. Training in hygiene care: bathing, oral care, dentures, room cleanliness, moisturizing face and body, shaving, haircuts and grooming, nail trimming, diapering, Pressure ulcer prevention, changing sheets and pillows.

   
   

5. Training in physical therapy support: massage, active and passive movements, walking, repositioning, transferring between bed-chair-armchair, use of compression bandages or stockings, cushions to prevent bone friction.

   
   

6. Training in prescribed nutrition: understanding preferences and dietary guidelines, administering artificial nutrients and supplements, feeding via tube, IV, or gastrostomy, and preparing meals and the eating environment.

   
   

7. Encouragement to ask for and accept help, recognizing that caregiving is not a solitary responsibility.

“Not to care more, but to care better.”