Nowadays the process of the caregivers’ socialization became a common topic of debate and discussion among various scholars and those who work in the health administration field. Therefore, it would be relevant to speak on the issue of the influence of the caregivers’ socialization on the improvement of the socialization skills and their impact on patients’ health. Another subject under discussion here is, also, whether or not such reforms are useful and effective.
It is a known fact that caregivers are likely to try their best to perform their duties in taking care of the patients. The caregivers are trying to spend all their time with the patients while forgetting about their own social needs. That is why the scientists in the field of health administration are really concerned about the special social attention which should be given to the caregivers.
They motivate the necessity of such caregivers’ socialization by the assumption that if the caregivers’ health would be good, then it would serve as the best guarantee that they would have enough vigor to provide the patients with the proper care. With the view to maintain and support the caregivers’ health and the process of their socialization, there was implemented the self–care reform concept.
It is a proven fact that the self – care for the caregivers is an important procedure that demands that the caregivers take care of themselves as well as of their patients. According to Mary Heisick, the MSW and the current president of the Harbor – South Bay – Orange County Chapter, the self – care is one of the most important “elements of positive and productive caregiving” (Heisick, 2001, p. 63).
One of the key ideas of this program is that the engagement of the caregivers in the social activities helps them cope in the times of their possible crisis determined by their anxiety about their patients. It has been proved that socializing is fruitful during a hearty family or friends’ meal. If referring to Mary Heisick, “the warmth of the meal shared with replenishes your energy so you have more to give. If your stamina is not restored, you may find yourself physically and/or mentally exhausted.” (Heisick, 2001, p. 64).
Another powerful tool in socializing as well as in the caregiving process is laughter. The caregivers might encourage their patients to share jokes they find funny with others. Thus, it might be stated that the development of a lighthearted spirit might help the caregivers and the patients to get through the difficult periods in their life. The spiritual-religious process during the process of struggle with the problems is also encouraged. Frequently, the religious beliefs of the caregivers and their patients are really helpful while facing difficult challenges.
There are various options to socialize. For example, the caregivers and their patients may communicate to those who cope with similar problems or with those who already went through this experience and want to share their memories. Such memories might be indeed helpful for the caregivers and those whom they take care of. Therefore, it is important for such people not to be afraid of the given communication and of asking questions on the issues they are concerned about.
The important thing that the caregivers should always keep in mind is: “Remember the goal of self-care: never feel guilty about taking care of yourself. Socialize instead!” (Heisick, 2001, p. 66). The caregivers’ socializing approach is really useful and fruitful for both the caregivers and their patients. There are enough techniques established in this field. But as time passes, there might be implemented some innovations.
References
Heisick, M. (2001). Self-Care: The Importance of Socialization for Caregivers. AAKP Renalife, 17(3), 62-68.