Taking Care of our aging loved ones... What does it mean to be a family Caregiver?

By: Laura Oldaker, The Gift of Caring  

As a culture, we’re always so busy, we tend to fill our plates to the max. It’s a circus act to balance our own personal, professional, spiritual life, let alone manage a whole household, add to that managing a budget, and any curveballs life may throw your way. 

For those of us fortunate enough to still have our parents and grandparents around comes a new challenge: What happens when our loved ones arrive at the point where they need extra assistance? Whether the assistance is financial, spiritual or physical, it may feel like our workload has just been doubled. 

The family caregiver is anyone taking care of an aging parent/grandparent; a child with special needs or spouse who suffers from a disease or chronic condition, among others. It isn't unheard of that many family caregivers end up hospitalized due to self negligence or stress. 

A family caregiver faces an increased risk for depression, chronic illness and a decline in quality of life due to a lack of quality self-care. Family caregivers report behaviors like sleep deprivation, poor eating habits, failure to exercise, failure to stay in bed when ill or not making medical appointments for themselves when needed, sound familiar? 

So, How does a Family Caregiver effectively take care of a loved one? If you have ever taken a flight on a plane, think of the first instructions we receive as the plane is about to take off: If the plane is in trouble, put on your oxygen mask first, then help others. The Key is in these instructions: Take care of YOU first, only when we take care of ourselves can we effectively help others. Caring for yourself is one of the most important—and one of the most often forgotten—things you can do as a caregiver. When your needs are taken care of, the person you care for will benefit, too.

Start by making a conscious decision to take care of yourself! Caring for a loved one can be an emotional roller coaster, the job is sometimes long hours, and exhaustion and worry can be a large factor,  but it will surely be a rewarding experience that can create a bond between loved ones, and it demonstrates love and commitment toward them. If you find yourself in this position, make a conscious decision to take care of yourself first.  Ask yourself, “How will I be able to help out if I am ill?” and do not feel guilty for taking the time to apply it to your own wellness, it's ok to be a little selfish at times to ensure you are able to recharge your batteries and provide better care for your loved one.

You are not alone! There are many organizations that can assist with resources if you find yourself in a position of caring for a loved one who lives with a condition. Stay tuned for The Gift of Caring WISE System of Care, our free tool to help you be successful in your caregiving journey; scheduled to be released in the next couple of weeks!