Takeaway
“Express empathy and support and ask open-ended questions.”-Dr. Eric Last
Passion in the Medical Profession | February 19, 2021 | <1 min read
Highlights
“This is hard. You’re doing a good job," is a great thing to say.
Dr. Mariah Robertson, Johns Hopkins Medicine
Give permission for them to feel whatever way they're feeling about caregiving.
Dr. Colleen Christmas, Johns Hopkins Medicine
Express empathy and support and ask open-ended questions.
Dr. Eric Last
I tell them it's ok to just be a patient here, and not a caregiver at the moment.
Dr. Ambereen Mehta, Johns Hopkins Medicine
I ask them how they’re doing (as a caregiver) and validate whatever feelings they’re having. I also ask about their support system for themselves as caregivers.
Dr. Elizabeth Gundersen, Florida Atlantic University
I ask the same thing I ask my friends and colleagues: When are you going to get some time for you? What can I do to help you get some time for you?
Dr. Carl Streed Jr, Boston Medical Center
I always tell them they are doing a great job. Always. They're usually doing the best they can.
Dr. Maria Carney, New York
Always try to ask, “Are you a caregiver for someone?” for every new patient.
Dr. Malvika Varma, University of Arizona
Above all encourage #selfcompassion. Emphasize that preserving their own health is critical to caring for the loved one.