Caregiving Special Focus

Solutions To Your Caregiving Situations Throughout Your Caregiving Years

Celebrating Your Caregiving Successes (Part II) By Denise M. Brown, Publisher and Editor On a beautiful summer day like we're having today in Chicago, I like to reflect on all that's good in my life. I'd like to help you do the same, to take time to savor and enjoy all that you do so well as a family caregiver to your aging relative. Stumped as to your successes? I'll help jog your memory. You have known success when: 1. You plan ahead, prepared for emergencies. First aid kits are stocked and stored in easy-to-find areas. You have a contingency plan in case you become sick: you have information from home health agencies, social service agencies and volunteer organizations that can provide service in a pinch. Advance directives-- for both your and your care recipient--are complete and up-to-date. 2. You contribute regularly to own savings and retirement plans. You understand the importance of securing your own future. 3. You share your knowledge of and information about caregiving with your family members and friends. 4. You handle difficult situations with diplomacy and aplomb. When you sister-in-law makes a biting remark about how you care for her brother, you reply: "I understand your concern for your brother's welfare. As his wife, I'm just as concerned. I'm always open for suggestions. Perhaps you would like to take him for a weekend and then let me know what I can do better?" When a stranger gawks at your care recipient in the grocery store, you approach and say: "My mother has Alzheimer's disease. She's a kind and loving woman. Would you like to meet her?" 5. If you are a stay-at-home caregiver, you keep your skills up-to-date and ready for re- entry into the work force. You take classes at your community college or online through the Internet. 6. You remind yourself that the only person you can control is yourself. 7. You create your own caregiving team, consisting of health care professionals (a physician, home health aide, home medical supplier) and family members and friends who support your role as caregiver--and your wish to do what's best for your care recipient. 8. You stick to a regular exercise program and a healthy diet. 9. You involve your care recipient in as many community activities (including family events) as possible. You know that every elderly and disabled person has a special place in our communities. 10. You help other family caregivers, whether through participation in a support group, an open ear for a new caregiver at the adult day care center, or through your church or synagogue. 11. You provide the best care possible for your care recipient, within the limits of yourself, your health care options, and your care recipient's acceptance. I hope your plans for this week include time for yourself and for those you love. Enjoy! Index of Articles: Caring for a Step: Tips to Help Manage the Relationship Celebrating Your Caregiving Successes, Part I Celebrating Your Caregiving Successes, Part II The Help Arrived, But Left Too Early Time Out! Signs You Need a Vacation When To Use Home Care Tell a friend about this article:

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