3 Top Areas of Concern for Caregivers
So far in this article series, I covered 5 things you never knew about caregiving, and I introduce myself to you and elaborate on my own experiences as a caregiver throughout my life in the article called “So why am I interested in caregiving?”
Today, I’d like to highlight 3 top areas of concern for Caregivers based on my experiences as a caregiver and providing support for other caregivers like you.
“It takes two of us to live his life”
I remember this comment from one of the participants in a caregiver class. Heads nodded in understanding. Caregivers are easily some of the most committed and generous people I’ve met. But, unfortunately, one trap in caregiving is to remember to extend the generosity of care to oneself.
The 3 top areas of concern for caregivers include:
1. Caregivers try to do everything themselves.
Most caregiving situations improve by creating a team of helpers, advocates, and professionals. I like to think of them as “circles of caregiving.” The inner-circle consists of those who provide routine and personal care and have the authority to make decisions.
A team includes medical, legal, and financial professionals.
Paid caregiver supports are also helpful for care that extends beyond what you can physically, emotionally, and mentally manage.
When we talk about “well-being,” it means the well of your being. If your “well” is dry, you won’t have the energy to live one life, let alone support another.
2. The second concern is not having reliable information about how best to use the resources and benefits available.
There are legitimate legal strategies that protect the caregiver and their assets for use in the best way possible.
Caregivers often lose current and future income as they provide care. If you’re employed, you need to know your company’s policies for family medical leave and job protection.
Getting legal and financial advice is helpful to reduce the financial burdens that can arise with caregiving.
3. Caregiver well-being is encouraged.
We say, “take care of yourself,” but what does that mean?
Self-care is both too broad and too narrow a term to be meaningful. Caregivers are at a higher risk of physical decline, and many acknowledge that they feel depressed and worried.
Avoiding burnout and isolation are two vital elements of keeping the well of your being full.
Caregivers often mention guilt as an issue. However, most caregivers are doing the best they can on any given day.
Circumstances change, and staying flexible helps us stay out of unnecessary feelings of guilt and regret.
What does all this mean?
The thread that ties these elements together is the need to seek more information and answers.
One place to begin is by talking to the medical professionals involved.
Another resource is other caregivers. Because caregivers are everywhere (yes, they are), you likely know someone who has been a caregiver. Or, they know someone.
As I said before, caregivers are unfailingly generous with one another. They share resources, information, and a willingness to listen. They share a language and understanding.
If you’re wondering how to begin to connect with other caregivers, let’s chat. I am part of a network of resources, and I love to connect with those who help one another.
So let’s book a call to determine your first steps on the path of a successful caregiving journey.
Warmly,
PS. “My home had become a prison".” That statement was the start of an incredible transformation for one of my caregiver class members. If you’re curious about how the right support can help you as a caregiver, you’ll want to read this article.
Caregiving can be a challenging time.
Grab my “Getting Your Docs In A Row” checklist to help you prepare to care.