What’s the D.I.F.?
How many times have you heard someone ask, “What’s the diff?” when trying to figure out the level of importance of a situation? In caregiving evaluating the D.I.F. Factor can make all the difference.
I learned about the D.I.F. Factor from a friend and colleague who has been a caregiver for her adult daughter for over 20 years. She shared that D.I.F. stands for Duration, Intensity, and Frequency. Her daughter’s diagnosis requires 24-hour caregiving provided by family and paid caregivers. This young woman is very skilled. She is working on a Master’s Degree while also teaching undergraduate students. Through the years they created well-designed plans with backup plans. Now COVID-19 has amplified the D.I.F. factor and exposed the fragility in a well-designed plan.
In this case, the duration isn't known. She moved home from college and gave up her student caregivers. This has meant that the family has taken over caregiving responsibilities 24/7. For receivers and givers of care, the increased duration, intensity, and frequency (D.I.F.) of challenges such as illness, limited support, schedule shifts, etc. is always a part of the mix. Hiring caregivers who will commit to keeping themselves becomes an added challenge.
The D.I.F. factor has implications for caregivers whose care recipients live in residential settings. Any change in medical status, whether gradual or rapid, triggers a D.I.F. change. Caregivers are generally highly attuned to their responsibilities. Frequent modifications with fewer options is a generator for their stress.
So, when we hear the phrase, "what's the diff?" we know that any shift in duration, intensity, or frequency can make all the difference.
When have you experienced D.I.F.? Tell us in the comments.
Caregiving can be a challenging time.
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