CAMAGÜEY.- The meaning of caregivers has become essential in our society, and when I say essential, I do so from the point of view of the population itself, although this does not mean that the State disregards the term, its responsibility, causes and consequences.

To address the issue, I requested the knowledge of Dr. Pablo Hernández Figaredo, Second Degree specialist in Psychiatry, Assistant Professor and Consultant, Master in Social Psychiatry, from the René Vallejo Psychiatric Hospital, in this city, and the president of the Camagüey’s Chapter of the Cuban Society of Psychiatry, who emphasized that: “Progressive demographic aging translates into an increase in people with a certain level of dependency, to whom are added those who, due to limiting illness or disability, require the care of another partially or totally".

—From a medical point of view, what is your opinion about this population group, which, incidentally, is not small? In addition, Cubans do not have a generalized culture of leaving loved ones in the hands of others.

—This increasingly growing group of people in charge of caring for their dependent relatives has a particular meaning because there is a previous affective and emotional relationship. Taking care of someone helpless is first and foremost an act of love and that is how it will have to be assumed.

“And that appreciation is very true, Latinos in general, and Cubans in particular, have very intense and peculiar family ties, both with minors and with older adults, it is preferred not to delegate care to other people or institutions that not be your own family.

“The caregiver is not always prepared to take on the task of dedicating himself to someone who is helpless and it is not an easy task. There are those who give up a full, productive life because suddenly an unforeseen event arises and they have no other alternative.

“Assuming the care of another person, even if it is the most loved one, demands a great effort, sacrifice and patience, due to that altruism that means subordinating one's own needs to those of the other”.

—How do you appreciate that these people assume such an abrupt change of life?

—For anyone of working age committed to their social role, having the obligation to leave work and take care of a family member could represent frustration because of what it means to slow down professional and social growth. In these cases, the filial duty and the responsibility towards the loved one exceeds the need for individual fulfillment and that of the family member who requires care is prioritized.

—Who are the ones who come most often to ask for medical help to continue with this effort and what are their main concerns? What is the most demanded when asking for support?

—A common reason is physical and also psychological exhaustion, which in extreme degrees can seriously hamper their custodial function. Feelings of professional or personal frustration appear, or of feeling alone in what they do; they feel that they are not sufficiently valued or considered by the person they care for or by the rest of the family. When the pertinent measures are not taken to avoid it, anxious and depressive manifestations, irritability, sleep or appetite disorders may appear.

“Not a few have been forced to stop exercising their daily actions, to go live somewhere else, neglecting their social relationships or love relationships due to the urgent need to care for that family member. Sometimes this happens suddenly, without the person being properly prepared. In other cases, the care of the relative can be foreseen and allows less drastic adjustments to be made”.

—The patriarchal society, which has undoubtedly prevailed in Cuba, could it be a reason for women to be in the majority in this difficult responsibility?

—I could say so. It is not a secret that the largest number of caregivers are female.

—Is someone called to care for the caretakers?

—In the first place, the caregiver has to learn and know how to take care of himself, recognize his needs and attend to them, as well as ask for help. And very importantly, the rest of the family has the obligation to take care of him, recognize his efforts, value him and let him know, support him and be aware of his needs. It is essential to have other family members and even close friends and the community that surrounds them, which is known as a social support network.

“The help of third parties, even if it is only at certain times or days of the week, will represent a great relief and support. Staying with the dependent person for a while, making a purchase or other specific management are ways of caring for that important caregiver for everyone.

“It cannot be forgotten that an average worker works eight hours a day, enjoys vacations, holidays, weekends…, which does not happen with caregivers. This highlights his superhuman effort and he has to sensitize the other members of the family so that their participation is more committed and unconditional”.

—Are they visible or invisible in the eyes of society?

—It may be that because it is a daily act, some do not perceive the extraordinary significance of their task, and that some degree of insensitivity limits the understanding and support that is owed to them. A caregiver who is very focused on the needs of the dependent may neglect or ignore their own, and even then, it may not be all that is duly recognized.

—What advice would you offer to people who live this role? What would you say to the rest of their families?

—An unmotivated, irritable or tense caregiver fails to do what he should do, therefore he cannot lose the sense of his extraordinary mission. He will have to focus on the positive, on the small details, achievements and moments of enjoyment, no matter how few they are in the day, maintain some optimism at all costs. Each one knows how to better deal with their tensions and stress and this must be done by the caregiver. I recommend that they watch a series or a movie, connect with friends by phone or social networks, it is good that they read, walk, sunbathe for a while.

“The caregiver at all times will have to take into account the dignity, autonomy and satisfaction of the person he cares for, but without forgetting his own. He can only provide welfare if he has it. To take care of someone we also have to take care of ourselves, both cares have to be acts of love”.

Translated by Linet Acuña Quilez