Caregiver Information
Montana Amputees in Action is open to family members, friends, and caregivers of amputees. It can be challenging to be a caregiver and this group is happy to connect you with resources and support. We're all in this together!
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Tips for Caregivers
Caregivers need to understand that every amputee has a different experience. This distinct experience is based on amputation type and level, age, gender, personality, other health conditions, and all other characteristics of that person. Due to varying experiences, every amputee requires various levels of help and support. Some amputees may need help but will not ask, while others do ask for help. An amputee also may not feel comfortable telling you that you are helping too much. It can be a challenge becoming a caregiver of an amputee but here are some tips to help be successful!
Read more below on advice from amputees for caregivers, family members, friends of amputees, and ways to take care of yourself too!
Advice from Amputees
for Family Members, Friends, and Caregivers
“Your family, friends and caregivers need to support you in whatever you decide is the best treatment for yourself. We are all different and we have different values in life! When you become an amputee other people see you in three stages, first they pity you, which is wrong, second, they are afraid of you because you are different now, third no matter how much they love you or want to take care of you. They really have no idea what is going on in your mind unless you tell them!!”
-AK amputee for 53 years
“Do not treat them any differently than you would a regular family member. We already know that we are “different” we do not need the people close to us to treat us this way.”
-Right leg AK, left leg BK for whole life (33 years)
“There's more to being an amputee than using a prosthesis. Using a prosthesis doesn't mean the person just goes back to "normal". Not using a prosthesis is not a failure! The person is still the same person, treat them the same as you did before. Everyone wants to have fun, help them have fun! There's a learning curve to relearning things and if you do everything for your person you are robbing them of their independence.”
-Hip Disarticulation amputee for over 20 years
“Don't pity your friend or loved one, ask them how you can best support them. They may need time to think about how you can best support them but give them that time. You're likely learning together!”
-Right BK amputee for 5 years
Caregiver Burnout
"Caregiver burnout is a state of physical, emotional and mental exhaustion that can happen when you dedicate time and energy to manage the health and safety of someone else. Caregivers who experience burnout may feel tired, stressed, withdrawn, anxious and depressed" (2, p. 1).
Tips to Reduce Caregiver Burnout
You deserve to focus on your well-being with time away. It is okay to participate in things you enjoy and you should do this once per week at the least. Take a bit of time for yourself each day if possible (1).
Accept help from others (1).
Reward yourself with something fun. You deserve it (1).
If spirituality is important to you, make sure you prioritize it and any activities associated with it (1).
Give yourself recognition for your role as a caregiver. Your role is important and will make you stronger (1).
Talk to your healthcare provider about any concerns you're having (2).
Find resources to support you (2).
References
1. Amputee Coalition. (2022, Nov 17). Tips for caregivers to care for themselves. Thrive Community stories. https://blog.amputee-coalition.org/home-feature-center/tips-for-caregivers-to-care-for-themselves/
2. Cleveland Clinic (2023, Aug 16). Caregiver burnout. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9225-caregiver-burnout
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