How the right support can help you
If you’re jumping into this article series right here, you may be interested in catching up on the previous articles.
I covered 5 things you never knew about caregiving, I elaborate on my own experiences as a caregiver in the article called “So why am I interested in caregiving?” and highlight the 3 top areas of concern for caregivers to look out for.
In this article, I want to show you how the right support can help you as a caregiver.
“My home had become a prison.”
I was teaching a 6-week family caregiver class when this statement by one of the members got my attention.
Her husband, who was in his 50’s, had been diagnosed with early-onset dementia.
For over two decades, he’d served as a popular high school teacher and coach.
After his diagnosis, he ended up enrolled in a day program at the facility where I was teaching.
His wife had considered placing him in a care facility but kept thinking she could manage the situation. The problem was that her health was on the decline as well.
In fact, she barely made it through the second session because she was in so much pain from a kidney infection. We encouraged her to leave the session to care for herself, and I offered to take her to the ER across the street.
Her health crisis (combined with the fact that she was working full-time to maintain income and benefits for both of them) became the push she needed to make a very difficult decision.
Being part of our group made her realize she wasn’t alone. Not only could other people relate to her situation — but they also weren’t judging her.
This level of kindness, support, and mutual understanding was just what she needed.
By meeting her where she was (without forcing any change), she was able to see more clearly what needed to be done — and felt empowered in that decision.
She created a plan for her husband to go to a local nursing home where he was doted on by the staff who knew him.
After she made that decision, things shifted for the better in her life. She was able to do the work that provided her (and her husband) with economic security.
She was also able to reclaim a bit of the social connections she’d been craving by hosting a company party at her home — infusing the house with some of the life it had been lacking for some time.
No caregiver should feel like their home is a prison. Keeping the health and well-being of a caregiver as a priority helps balance the setting. No one benefits when a caregiver is depleted and ill.
Having the support of a caregiver group or coach helps you know you’re not alone. It helps you make difficult decisions with capability and confidence.
If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, worried, or concerned about your health while serving as a family caregiver… you’re not alone! Click here to book a 1-on-1 call, and I’ll help you find solutions that’ll fit your circumstances.
Warmly,
PS. The Confident Caregiver Method is a great framework if you want to prevent burnout while still providing the level of care your loved one needs and deserves. If you aren’t familiar with The Confident Caregiver Method, you can read about it here.
Caregiving can be a challenging time.
Grab my “Getting Your Docs In A Row” checklist to help you prepare to care.