b"SUPPORTING CAREGIVERSNavigating caregiver adjustment to long-term careThe journey and tools for supportBy Adriana ShnallT aking care of our familySometimes they may feel sad aboutAnother worry is having to foster members and providingtheir relative losing some of theirnew, trusting relationships with the unconditional support is aformer independence and adjustingstaff. This process takes time and significant part of life's journey forto living in a home. As much asis sometimes fraught with a lot of many. However, there comes a pointlong-term care is someones newmixed emotions. Finally, there may when the needs of the person caredhome, the reality is that there arebe financial concerns. For example, for surpass what we can provide atnew rules, and residents and theirthere is the added cost of the long-home, leading to the often-difficultfamilies must adapt to the confines ofterm care home, which is sometimes decision of transitioning them to aan institutional setting. It's also difficultcompounded by costs such as long-term care home. This transitionbecause residents and caregiverstransportation and parking.isn't just about physical relocation; it'shave to adjust to new routines when also an emotional adjustment for boththeir family member moves to long- How the C-CAN tool can helpthe care recipient and the caregiver.term care. Transitions are difficult forCaregivers often find themselves everyone at any point in our lives. overlooked and find it challenging In this article, we'll delve into theto access suitable resources for multifaceted process of caregiverThis process is made more difficultthemselves as they navigate the adjustment when their care recipientbecause sometimes admission tochanges in their caregiver role when moves to long-term care, sheddinglong-term care is not necessarily atheir family member moves to long-light on the vital role of tools likechoice made by the person or theterm care. The Canadian Caregiver the Canadian Caregiver Adjustmentcaregiver. It is likely that placementAdjustment Needs (C-CAN) tool is Needs Tool (C-CAN Tool). The tool isis precipitated by a medical or otherdesigned to identify caregivers' needs currently in its research phase and willtype of crisis.as their family member transitions to be made available once it is finalized. long-term care.Adding to the above concerns, Understanding what caregivers may feel lonely becauseThe C-CAN is a helpful tool for caregivers go through they find themselves living alonelong-term care homes because now, especially spousal caregivers.it can help caregivers feel more Deciding to move a family memberFor the first time, after decades ofinvolved, confident, and connected to long-term care can bring up a mixliving together, they may be separatedto the care process. The tool covers of emotions, including guilt, grief,from their partners. They might alsoquestions across a number of areas, sadness and worry. Caregivers mightworry about whether their familyincluding social and emotional well-feel as though they were not doingmember is getting good care and findbeing, support and resources, and enough and could have perhapsit tough to let go of control over theircommunication and involvement. tried harder, and they second-guessfamily members care. There is the themselves. These feelings can berealization that as good as institutionalBy looking at what caregivers need, exacerbated by the worry of otherscare may be, it is not one-on-one carethe C-CAN tool might help to ensure judging them and they may be madeand sometimes this is very difficult tothat a care plan is right for both the to feel guilty. come to terms with.person getting care and the caregiver. 40 LONG TERM CARE TODAY Spring/Summer 2024"