Hard Conversations and Planning Can Make Caregiving Smoother
Entering the role of a caregiver is often a sudden endeavoring. Many of us get no warning and many of us are very unprepared. The lack of preparedness and uncertainty that often comes with the role can leave one feeling stressed and confused.
Fortunately, there are things that can be done prior to and continuing into the the caregiving role that can make this life disrupting role much smoother to undertake and give more direction on how to navigate this role.
There are factors which must be considered when faced with the challenge of becoming a primary, hands-on caregiver. Not everyone is capable and no one is obligated to undertake that role, it is a personal, individual decision.
Three Things That Need To Be Done Before Undertaking The Caregiving Role
Do Your Research. Learn about the diagnosis. Learn about the progression of the disease, illness. Continue to Learn.
Develop a support team. Can you physically and emotionally do it alone? Who is available to help with the care? At night? During day if you work? Are other family members available?
Look at other options. If you can not provide the care needed, what options are available? Explore options for hired caregivers to assist, explore long term placement options.
Be at peace. Realize that you can only do what you are only able to do.
Much of the stress and uncertainty of caregiving can be alleviated through planning and by the establishment of an advanced directive and a will. Having these things in place and having the hard conversations prior to a crisis can lead to an easier transition into caregiving.
In her book “Lifted”, by Rozlyn Jones, she outlines the steps to take and the conversations that need to take place prior to one entering the caregiving role and the importance of advance directives and wills as roadmaps that caregivers can use to carry out the desires of their loved ones. https://www.rozjonesent.com/lifted
Bottom line: Advanced aging, illness or sudden injuries, resulting in need for a full-time caregiver is life-altering. Discussions ahead of time, making known the expectations of each other is very important. Potential hands-on caregivers must be given an opportunity to express what role that they will be able to play in the event a full-time caregiver is needed. They must know that it is okay to decide that they are not physically or emotionally able to undertake the direct hands-on caregiving role, especially if there is not adequate help or support. If hired assist or longterm care placement in a facility is the best option, this needs to be discussed. You can still be a caregiver, but caregiver does not alway mean direct, hands-on care. You can still love and advocate for your loved ones needs.
Consuela Marshall, Occupational Therapist, Caregiver
Listen to the Caregiver’s Finding A Foothold Episode 30: Meet Roz Jones and Be Lifted. 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 learn how to 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.