Are you a “quiet” caregiver?
Are you a “quiet” caregiver?
Caregiving isn’t always a defined role. It can begin with acts of kindness that support someone’s life. We may not be “caring” for a family member. It might be a neighbor, friend, or family of choice.
“Quiet” caregiving might involve driving to appointments, picking up groceries, medications, the mail, or taking out the trash.
“Quiet” caregiving creates more intimacy in relationships as we learn of vulnerabilities or begin to see changes that lead to concerns.
“Quiet” caregiving gets “louder” when there’s a transition from occasional or routine support to feelings of greater responsibility for someone’s well-being.
The change signals a need for a conversation. It’s time to clarify what tasks need doing and who can do the jobs. Sometimes we’ve accommodated our lives to help others, but we need to set limits, so we don’t become overwhelmed. Creating healthy boundaries preserves relationships and keeps our stress levels manageable.
Conversations can feel uncomfortable at times, but we can create a win-win that supports everyone with the right tools.
If any of this sounds familiar, and you’d like help with those conversations, let me know. I’ve got tools that can help you.
Caregiving can be a challenging time.
Grab my “Getting Your Docs In A Row” checklist to help you prepare to care.