Voltaren Presents: Acts of Care

Many unpaid family caregivers in the United States see their role as something they “just” do. Voltaren is showing caregivers their true value, helping them begin a whole new journey of personal health.

Voltaren Presents: Acts of Care

Many unpaid family caregivers in the United States see their role as something they “just” do. Voltaren is showing caregivers their true value, helping them begin a whole new journey of personal health.

Neuro-Technology

Recognizing Your Value with Neuro-Technology*

Through heartfelt conversations, combined with cutting edge neuro-technology*, Voltaren is helping caregivers better understand the value they bring to a loved one’s life so they can begin to prioritize their own health and well-being. 

Caregiver

An estimated 53 million family caregivers are in the United States. The work they do is invaluable.

Giving Care

Yet many don’t recognize the value they bring to others – seeing the role as something they “just” do.

Acts of Care1

Voltaren wants to show caregivers the positive effects that come from understanding one’s value, leading to a renewed journey of personal health.

Acts-of-Care-NeuroTech

The Significance of Heartfelt Conversations

In an intimate conversation, we explored how family caregivers perceive their own value and well-being — before and after hearing from the loved ones they care for. Once these caregivers heard from their loved ones about the value they provide, we saw up to a 36% increase in their overall well-being.*

The EEG headset, worn by the caregivers, measured well-being based on brain wave changes in levels of stress, relaxation, excitement, engagement, and attention. 

GIF animation of human brain showing change from neutral to positive emotion

*EEG used to indicate a change in well-being and analysis of brainwaves powered by EMOTIV. Results are not statistically significant due to a small sample.

‘Acts of Care’ Stories

Discover how these caregivers realized their true worth, unlocking a whole new journey of physical health, with the help of their loved one and cutting-edge neuro-technology.

How Carol Cares

Carol and Tamsey are not only sisters, they’re best friends. When Tamsey received two breast cancer diagnosis followed by fibromyalgia, Carol stepped up to the plate to care for her sister, even while dealing with osteoarthritis herself.

quotes

I don't ever consider myself as a caregiver because of the things I do. I never really classified myself as that so I don't have a true definition of it."

Women gives a speech
  • Show Transcript

    Nik VO: All right, let’s work this onto your scalp here.

    Text: There are more than 50 million people in the U.S. who provide unpaid care for a loved-one, yet so many don’t recognize themselves as caregivers.

    Text: We conducted an experiment to show caregivers their true worth, leading to a new journey of physical health and wellbeing.

    Text: Acts of Care – Voltaren Arthritis Pain

    Nik VO: Carol.

    Carol VO: Hello.

    Nik VO: How are you?

    Carol VO: Wonderful.

    Text: Nik, Research Scientist

    Nik VO: So, there’s somebody that you’re looking after, that you’re taking care of.

    Text: Carol, Caregiver

    Nik VO: Can you just tell me what their name is and what their relationship is to you.

    Carol VO: Tamsey and she’s my sister.

    Nik VO: What are the circumstances that led you to be looking after Tamsey?

    Carol VO: Well, she’s a two-time breast cancer survivor. She’s in the second time of remission.

    Nik VO: Can you just talk about some of the ways that you jump in? Some of the daily tasks that you help Tamsey with?

    Carol VO: She’s in a lot of pain, a lot of days. So, running errands for her. Rubbing her down. Cooking. Cleaning. Taking some of the everyday tasks off of her.

    Nik VO: A lot of the physical stuff.

    Carol VO: Yeah, exactly.

    Carol VO: That’s my sister. I just help her, you know. When anybody is sick in my family, we jump in.

    Nik VO: Carol, can you tell me about some of the personal challenges that you faced looking after Tamsey?

    Carol VO: Having arthritis, my knee swells up a lot. And my elbow. And some days, I’m unable to move.

    Nik VO: Do you think Tamsey ever notices how tough it is on you? The amount of strength is takes to support her.

    Carol VO: I don’t think so. I mean I never really show the emotions.

    Carol VO: You just push through, you know, those tough times. If she’s being combative that day.

    Nik VO: So, we hear this term, caregiver. How would you define the term caregiver?

    Carol VO: I don’t. I don’t know, I just don’t ever really consider myself as a caregiver because of the things that I do. I just never really classified myself as that, so I just don’t really have a true definition of it.

    Nik VO: So, Carol, now I think it would be a great time to bring Tamsey in and hear her perspective.

    Carol VO: Ok.

    Carol VO: Hey sister.

    Tamsey VO: Hey sister.

    Nik VO: Hi Tamsey.

    Tamsey VO: Hi.

    Nik VO: Thanks for joining us. Can you tell me a bit about Carol? How would you describe her personality?

    Tamsey VO: It’s bubbly most of the time until she overthinks some things. I think she gets anxious about taking care of me a lot of times.

    Tamsey VO: She helps me get ready. Some days, I can’t even move. She helps me get up out of bed, get dressed, go to the bathroom, cook for me. Oh man, so much.

    Tamsey VO: I don’t think I would, I wouldn’t make it without you sister.

    Carol VO: Yes, you would, you’re very strong. You’re my shero.

    Tamsey VO: Having my sister take care of me instead of a professional is a world of difference for me.

    Tamsey VO: Sometimes we forget as caregivers to take care of ourselves, and I have to remind her that she’s just as important as I am. And remind her to take care of herself.

    Nik VO: Thinking about everything that Tamsey has shared with us and all the value, how does this make you feel?

    Carol VO: I do see the value from her perspective of me being a caregiver.

    Carol VO: Hearing her say those kind things, I just, I don’t see myself as that, you know?

    Carol VO: She said I’m phenomenal, I’m like wow. I am? Thank you, sister.

    Nik VO: Has it shifted the way you see yourself?

    Carol VO: I would say yes.

    Tamsey VO: She’s more than a sister. That’s what she doesn’t understand. You’re my friend and I wouldn’t have it any other way. Period.

    Carol VO: I love you.

    Text: Our brain mapping revealed the following results.

    Text: 36% increase in wellbeing after hearing from their loved-one about their value as a caregiver*

    Text: *EEG used to indicate a change in wellbeing and analysis of brainwaves powered by EMOTIV. Results are not statistically significant due to small sample.

    Text: Prior to hearing from loved-one: Neutral Emotion

    Text: After hearing from loved-one: Positive Emotion

    Text: It’s not just being a sister, it’s being a caregiver

    Text: To begin your own journey of physical health and wellbeing visit VoltarenGel.com

How Bill Cares

Bill and Susan have been married for 43 years. The moment Susan began feeling hip discomfort due to cartilage dissipation, Bill knew he was going to take care of his best friend, even while dealing with osteoarthritis himself.

quotes

A married couple caregiver, I mean, it's what you do because it's what you need to do... It's because you love the other person."

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  • Show Transcript

    Nik VO: All right, let’s work this onto your scalp here.

    Text: There are more than 50 million people in the U.S. who provide unpaid care for a loved-one, yet so many don’t recognize themselves as caregivers.

    Text: We conducted an experiment to show caregivers their true worth, leading to a new journey of physical health and wellbeing.

    Text: Acts of Care – Voltaren Arthritis Pain

    Nik VO: Hey Bill.

    Bill VO: Nik.

    Nik VO: How are you?

    Bill VO: All right.

    Text: Nik, Research Scientist

    Nik VO: Thanks for coming today. If you wouldn’t mind just to start to tell me a little bit about yourself.

    Text: Bill, Caregiver

    Bill VO: I’m originally from Indiana, I spent a lot of my adult life in New York City. That’s where I met my wife, Susan. We’ve been married 43 years.

    Bill VO: Susan has a bit of a hip issue. It’s almost bone on bone. It seems like it’s becoming a quality-of-life issue.

    Nik VO: The bone on bone – that definitely sounds painful.

    Nik VO: So, you probably help out with a lot of physical tasks. Can you just kind of walk me through what you do for her on a daily basis?

    Bill VO: Sure. When she needs help walking or when she’s in a lot of discomfort, I will offer her my arm and make sure that she is well balanced and that she’s not carrying anything.

    Nik VO: I’m aware that you suffer from osteoarthritis. Can you tell me a bit more about that?

    Bill VO: Maybe a little bit more than a bit. At the end of the day my ankles will just be screaming at me.

    Bill VO: And sometimes I worry that my knee will give out. And if I’m helping her and my knee gives out, that’s really a scary thought. Because then we both go down.

    Nik VO: So, we hear this term caregiver used. How would you define this term?

    Bill VO: I mean a professional caregiver that is what they do, that is who they are.

    Bill VO: But a married couple caregiver, I mean, it’s what you do because it’s what you need to do. It’s because you love the other person.

    Nik VO: Do you feel like it’s expected of you?

    Bill VO: No. I think Susan is such a strong individual that she could make it through on her own.

    Nik VO: Sounds like you guys make a heck of a team and you’ve got quite a strong connection.

    Nik VO: So, for this next part of the conversation, I’m going to bring Susan in.

    Bill VO: Terrific.

    Bill VO: Hello.

    Susan VO: Hi.

    Bill VO: There you go.

    Susan VO: Thank you.

    Nik VO: So, thanks for joining us, Susan. I want to hear from you. In your eyes, do you feel like Bill deprioritizes his own health and wellbeing?

    Susan VO: Yeah, I think it has come in second and I’m embarrassed to say that I haven’t looked at that until I was asked the question.

    Susan VO: If you’re feeling discomfort, then you should give yourself the time as if you’re taking care of yourself.

    Nik VO: So, Susan, since Bill first started caring for you, I imagine you’ve learned a bit about him, about another side that you maybe didn’t think you were going to learn.

    Nik VO: Can you share some of that with us?

    Susan VO: The things I learned about Bill that I didn’t know before was how kind and patient he has, not become, but that’s who you really are.

    Susan VO: One thing I appreciate, and it’s come from this situation, I appreciate how much you care for helping me.

    Susan VO: And I think it’s changed things for us. Oh my gosh, that was nice, huh?

    Bill VO: That was good, that was good.

    Susan VO: That’s good. That’s a good moment.

    Bill VO: That’s a good moment.

    Text: Our brain mapping revealed the following results.

    Text: 36% increase in wellbeing after hearing from their loved-one about their value as a caregiver*

    Text: *EEG used to indicate a change in wellbeing and analysis of brainwaves powered by EMOTIV. Results are not statistically significant due to small sample.

    Text: Prior to hearing from loved-one: Neutral Emotion

    Text: After hearing from loved-one: Positive Emotion

    Text: It’s not just being a husband, it’s being a caregiver

    Text: To begin your own journey of physical health and wellbeing visit VoltarenGel.com

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Do You or Someone You Know Care for Others?

‘Care’ takes on many forms. Whether at someone’s bedside or from a distance, every ‘act of care’ is incredibly important. Uncover resources on how ‘care’ plays into your life. 

Caregiving Resources

While caring for a loved one can be rewarding, it’s certainly never easy. Check out the articles below to better understand the weight caregivers carry on their shoulders and to find guidance on how to alleviate some of that weight.



Young woman with eyes closed practicing mindfulness in the sunshine

Meditation Tips for Caregiver Mindfulness

Practice meditation as a caregiver to reduce stress and caregiver burnout. Discover how meditation for mindfulness can help you slow down and feel relaxed.

READ MORE

Diverse group of seniors participating in art class

What is Respite Care & Why is it Important for Caregivers?

Take time for yourself so that you can be a better caregiver. Learn about respite care for caregivers with Voltaren Carewalks and how it can improve your life.

READ MORE

Woman going for a run in the park

How Caregivers Can Make Time for Exercise

Stay active and reap the physical and emotional benefits! There are lots of ways for caregivers to make time in their days for simple exercises.

READ MORE

Adults in a support group

The Importance of Support Groups for Family Caregivers

Discover the different types of support groups for caregivers. Find your supportive community and lean on others for mental and emotional support.

READ MORE

Your Journey of Physical Health

Did you know when a caregiver recognizes their own value, they begin to give themselves the care they need? Voltaren is proud to stand beside caregivers, hear their stories, and help them prioritize their own physical health and well-being to better care for others.

Twenty Percentage

1 in 5 of Americans are caregivers1

Ninty Four Percentage

of caregivers report exoskeletal pain2

Fifty Eight Percentage

of caregivers say their exercising habits are worse since becoming a caregiver3

Tips for Relieving Pain

When you’re a caregiver, it’s easy to forget about your own arthritis pain. Here are a few simple tips that can help you find arthritis pain relief, getting you back to helping a loved one. 

Tip 1

Practice Mindfulness

Working on breathing techniques and meditation will help tackle symptoms of stress and burnout, which can contribute to bodily inflammation and pain4.

Tip 2

Keep Moving

Joining in low-impact, high movement activities are great for your body. Yet, if any pain is stopping you, our ‘Carewalks’ podcast, a resource to help caregivers move through pain, can help you get going again.

Tip 3

Eat Healthy

Nourishing your body with nutritious food like fish, nuts, fruits, and leafy greens will aid in reducing inflammation5—your joints will thank you later!

Tip 4

Try Medication

Using a product like Voltaren Gel can help control your arthritis pain. Talk to your doctor about the right arthritis treatment for you.

Tune into the CareWalks Podcast

Walk with actor and caregiver, Holly Robinson Peete, while you listen to caregivers and health experts share their stories.


Feel The Joy Of Movement

No matter the day, the hour, or what you’re doing, embrace the joy of movement with the help of specialized products from Voltaren: powerful gel for arthritis pain or drug-free, dietary supplements for healthy joints.*

Voltaren Arthritis Pain Relieving Gel Package
Voltaren Arthritis Pain Relieving Gel Package

For Arthritis Pain Relief

DISCOVER MORE

Dietary Supplements from Voltaren in Packaging

For Healthy Joints*

SEE PRODUCTS

Use as directed. Voltaren is approved for treatment of arthritis pain.

VOLTAREN DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS - DISCLAIMER Dietary supplements from Voltaren are not intended to treat arthritis pain.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

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