A Community of Support Is Strength
As a former caregiver to my mother, I know that being a full-time caregiver can rob you of leisure interests and hobbies, stealing your joy and peace — IF YOU LET IT! This often occurs when the caregiver has no support system and are doing it all alone. When this occurs, it is very difficult for the caregiver to keep a positive attitude and to have hope!
There is often a way out, a way of slowing building in a support team which you can depend upon so that you can schedule routine time away! It starts by reaching out.
Ways of building your support team!
1. Start small. If family members, church members or friends have been reluctant, it is likely that they don’t want to commit to a lot of time. Start with asking for small amounts of time or accepting what time they are willing to give.
2. Schedule the time way when it is convenient for your support person. Ask what days and times are convenient for them. You may not always be able to accommodate their times, but asking shows that you are considerate of their schedule. This brings them in, allowing them to see your workload and my elicit more involvement
3. Don’t have unrealistic expectations. Remember, your support team may initially do things a little differently from the way you do them. Cut some slack, it will get better. A little training or a written note is helpful. Don’t expect them to do things that could cause injury to your loved one or to themselves.
Caregiving does not always feel fair. It demands a lot and as the caregiver, you can feel like your life is taking the back burner to the needs of your loved one while you are looking at other family members living their lives without stress or worry.
Resist the tendency to dwell on negative thoughts. You will never change the fact that others are choosing not to care. Nagging and complaining will do very little to get them involved. Taking the approach of accepting what they are willing to give is often a better approach. Expressing thanks for what they are willing do.
Consuela Marshall, Occupational Therapist
Today’s blog is inspired by questions from the podcast call-in line. Listen to the Caregiver’s Finding A Foothold Podcast, Episode 14: A Community of Support is Strength.
The podcast is available on the FindingAFoothold.com website and on all major podcast streaming sites.
Call into the podcast’s call-in line to tell your caregiving challenge and receive a free response to your struggle on an upcoming podcast show. The call-in button and number are located on the website.
If you need one on one, in-depth assistance, visit the consult page of the website,. Find out how to schedule a free 15 minute consult to discuss your unique caregiving challenges.
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Disclaimer: The podcast and blog are intended to provide basic information so that you can become a more informed caregiver. The information presented is intended for educational and informational purposes only and is not meant to serve as medical advice or replace consultation with any health care providers you regularly engage with. Transmission or receipt of any of this information is not intended to, and does not, create a therapist-patient relationship. This information is not provided in the course of a therapist-patient relationship and is not intended to constitute medical advice or to substitute for obtaining medical advice from a physician or therapist licensed in the state where your family may reside. We encourage everyone to consult with your physician or therapist to see if they are appropriate and safe for you.