Create A Caregiving Plan That Works For You
Lost about where to start as a new caregiver? Or is the plan that you have been using for years, as a seasoned caregiver, no longer working and you don’t quite know what to do?
Welcome to the club! The club of those who entered our caregiving roles with no instruction manual or one written in a foreign language.
So what do you do? Learn.
Just like you’ve done all your life —you learn what you need to know, you learn what you need to do, you learn who and what can help you make it through today. This is not a new skill for you. You are already a learner.
If you don’t know anything about the injury or diagnosis —learn what to expect.
If what you thought would work doesn’t —learn to move on.
If you thought a certain person would help, but they don’t —learn to look elsewhere.
If you thought you could do more than what you realistically can —learn to stop doing so much.
If you are physically struggling and uncertain how to do a task —learn the safe way.
Start where you are and grow.
Learn what will work for you. Know that it is a process. Things may never be easy, but they can get easier.
Reach out. Learn from those who have done or are doing it.
Bottom line:
If you are the primary caregiver, you must create a plan that works for your life. You have to take in consideration all the other aspects of your life — your marriage, your children, your career, your health. Caregiving must be integrated into your life, not take over your life. You must learn to create the balance that works for you. Create a plan that works for you, not someone else.
Consuela Marshall, Occupational Therapist, Caregiver
Listen to the Caregiver’s Finding A Foothold Episode 25: Create A Caregiving Plan That Works For You. The podcast is available on the FindingAFoothold.com website and on all major podcast streaming sites.
Visit the FindingAFoothold.com. Call the 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 is located on the website.
Visit the consult page of the website, find out how to schedule a free 15 minute consult to discuss in more depth your caregiving challenge and receive help developing a caregiving plan specific for your needs.
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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.