Tuesday, September 17, 2019

Caregivers and Sickle Cell Disease

"Caregivers are responsible for the physical care and emotional support of those unable to care for themselves due to illness, injury, or disability (a condition that affects major life activities).
The challenges of caring for a loved one with a chronic disease, like sickle cell disease (SCD), can be isolating and overwhelming. Life as you know it ends, and you begin to spend all of your time and energy caring for your loved one. For many, however, caregiving is also a rewarding experience, bringing family members closer together.

Learn the Effect Sickle Cell Disease Has on Family Members & Caregivers

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a blood disorder present at birth. People with SCD have “sickle” shaped red blood cells that stick together and block blood and oxygen from reaching all parts of the body, leading to health problems such as pain, anemia, injections, and stroke. Approximately 100,000 Americans are affected by SCD. CDC is committed to studying SCD to improve the health and care of people with this condition.
Below we share short vignettes (or snippets) from real life stories of two caregivers of young adults with SCD, as well as the perspective of a young adult with SCD and the effect his condition had on his caregivers. Their experiences help shine a light on the:
  • Role of caregivers;
  • Effect SCD has on a caregiver’s life;
  • Struggles and challenges faced by caregivers; and
  • Ways caregivers have overcome challenges in order to keep their family safe and healthy..."
    Caregivers and Sickle Cell

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