CARE FOR THE CAREGIVER

6 TIPS FOR CAREGIVERS

Hello Everyone and Welcome to another WELLNESS WEDNESDAY.

Another summer has come and gone. And, with it I also bid farewell this September to a certain sense of comfort and security as old friends and family members struggle with issues of an overwhelming, and in several cases, permanent and irreversible nature.

It has been a summer of Caregiving for me. A reversal of roles really, considering my history of cancer and my ongoing non-stop program of follow-up exams, tests and procedures. I’m often the one on the receiving end of medical advice, well meaning guidance and much needed support.

Yet, over the last few months I’ve found myself doing for others what so many have in the past done for me.

It began in May when a dear family member suffered a stroke. Two months into his recovery, his wife underwent surgery for a knee replacement, so I traveled to New Mexico where I helped take care of them both.

Shortly after, a dear friend was hospitalized with melanoma and his wife – also a dear friend – came to stay with us, splitting her time between the hospital during the day and our guest room at night.

In the midst of this, I traveled to Colorado to help my brother who still suffers from injuries he received when a tree fell on him Christmas Day of 2016.

I returned home a week before our hospitalized friend lost his battle with melanoma. His wife came to live with my husband and me following his death so we could help her with all the final arrangements, legal and financial issues, and above all, remind her that she was not alone.

With the funeral now over for our friend, I received word that my sister was in another hospital in Colorado with a terrible virus. Two days after she was released, she fell, broke her ankle in three places and went back to the hospital where she underwent surgery just yesterday.

Needless to say, I see another caregiver trip in my immediate future.

They say, “When it rains, it pours.” I’ve often found that to be true. I do believe that certain energies can congregate and express themselves en masse resulting in numerous events of a similar nature – sometimes filled with difficulty – sometimes filled with joy.

My summer has been a combination of both. Without a doubt, caregiving can be a difficult task. Yet, it also can be rewarding and above all, I’m so grateful that I’m in a position to be of help.  I’m also sure my experience is one with which many of you are familiar. We all go through periods of time in which we are called upon to be a Caregiver – in one way or another.

The important lessons for me over these last few months have been numerous. First of all, it’s vital for anyone in the role of a caregiver to take care of themselves first. This is the only way we can be an effective caregiver for someone else.

So, I’d like to share a few thoughts on CAREGIVING and the ways in which CARE FOR THE CAREGIVER can be provided.

1) GET ENOUGH REST. No matter how tired you are, there is still a doctor’s appointment to drive to, dinner to be made or laundry to be done. Short periods of meditation, deep breathing or lying down prone can offer a much needed respite for drained energies.

2) PAY ATTENTION TO YOUR OWN HEALTH. Do not skimp on your own meals, medicines or physical needs. Make time to care for your own body with exercise, proper food and adequate hydration. You need to remain physically and mentally strong in order to provide care for another person.

3) ACCEPT HELP FROM OTHERS. In most cases, other people want to help: they often just don’t know how. As the primary Caregiver, you can delegate to others. Perhaps one person can make a dinner. Another can mow the lawn. Another can walk the dog. Another can do some grocery shopping.

4) AVOID DEPRESSION. Caregiving is hard work. Hard work can run us down. When we become run down, we can suffer from depression and feelings of sadness or hopelessness. Pay attention to your feelings and mental state. If you experience any signs of depression, seek professional help immediately.

5) ORGANIZE MEDICAL INFORMATION. Make sure you have a list of all your loved one’s medications and doctors. Keep this list with you at all times. Make sure it’s up to date, place it by the phone and keep a copy in your purse or briefcase.

6) TAKE CARE OF LEGAL DOCUMENTS. There are several legal issues that should be discussed and documented in case of illness, incapacity or death. These include, but are not limited to, a Power of Attorney, a Medical Directive, a Last Will and Testament, and a Living Will. Ideally, these issues should be addressed before your loved one actually needs them.

Of course, there are many other tips and recommendations for those facing or living the role of a caregiver. This is just a beginning. But, these few thoughts helped me tremendously through this last summer. And, in turn, they helped all those I cared for as well.

Finally, to all the Caregivers out there – give yourself a pat on the back. Caregiving is one of the toughest jobs in the world. Indeed, it may be the most difficult task you ever face. So, be gentle with yourself. Be aware of your limitations. And, always remember to take care of yourself as you take care of those around you!

Thanks again for joining me everyone. Until next time, stay in GOOD HEALTH and . . .

TAKE THE COURSE AND TAKE CHARGE!