Dissemination of self-care and its importance for caregivers of children with disabilities
experience report
Keywords:
Self Care, Disabled Children, Caregivers, HealthAbstract
Introduction: Diagnosing a child's disability significantly affects the entire family dynamics, and those responsible for taking care of these children - mostly mothers - routinely face diverse challenges. In this context, the high demand for care and the upcoming new routine for these families can lead to burden, stress symptoms, and difficulties among interpersonal relationships. Moreover, self-care is frequently neglected by such an audience, even though the life quality of the children is directly influenced by their caregiver’s health. Objective: To report the experience of medical, physiotherapy, and psychology students participating in a university extension program targeted at caregivers of disabled children, with a central theme regarding self-care. Experience Report: Weekly meetings were held, totaling 10 sessions, with caregivers of children with disabilities in a non-profit institution. The aim was to promote self-care among the participants and address other topics relevant to their daily lives, such as anxiety, support networks, and selective eating. Final Considerations: The role of a caregiver can involve burdens, leading to negative impacts on their physical and mental health. Hence, there is the need to balance child care with attention to one's own well-being, highlighting self-care as fundamental in promoting resilience and reducing caregiver stress. Support programs and interventions should be implemented to encourage self-care practices, not only to benefit caregivers but also to enhance the care provided to their children.
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