How To Be A Caregiver

I am often asked by people who have recently begun their caregiving journey how they should approach being a caregiver. Is there a course they can take, who do they call, can they google it?  We all want and need to know how to be great caregivers. Here are a few things I found that helped me and gave me confidence and peace about the job I was doing.

Research!

Get Info! Google, YouTube, call local community organizations, and reach out to those who may be in the same situation. Learn what you can about specific conditions you may be dealing with. It may be hard to find the time to do this research but knowledge is power and so helpful. I was always able to keep a better handle on my anxiety when I had information about what was happening and what to expect.

Socialize!

Get involved with other caregivers. Socializing might seem like the last thing you can do or have time for but it is absolutely necessary that you do not operate in a vacuum. Finding time to speak or spend time with other caregivers is a must. No one understands what you are going through more than other caregivers who are going through it, too. There is strength in numbers and some of the most valuable things I used in caring for my parents were tips given to me by people who had been through it all before me. Check with your local Alzheimer’s Association, churches, hospitals, and community centers to see if there is a local caregiver support group near you. Make yourself part of one!

Get Help!

Get help. Do not do this alone. None of us can do this alone. Just because you need help, it does make you a bad person or a bad caregiver. It makes you a human caregiver; one that is smart enough to get as much support and help as possible not only for those you care for but for yourself. Tell everyone you know that their help is appreciated and you are open to anything they may offer. I was surprised often by people telling me they were so glad I asked or mentioned I needed help because they wanted to help but didn’t know how or what I needed. I had the best team of friends and family I counted on and took advantage of any services I could get my hands on from any and all groups, institutions, or health insurance perks or programs we qualified for.

Most importantly, be patient!

Be patient and kind to yourself. There’s a big learning curve when the caregiving journey begins, and even when we think we have acclimated to the role, things are constantly changing. I always felt like I was playing the game of whack the weasel; as soon as I had organized something, or took care of one thing, another would rise up and demand my attention. I felt as though I never had a handle on anything. I had to learn to accept that my caregiving role was a never-ending challenge and that I could not beat the game, so I should be patient and kind to myself because I was doing the absolute best I could at all times. No one is perfect and when we serve others with good intentions we are angels walking on earth. Kindness for ourselves is a must.

Remember there is no right or wrong way to be a caregiver and while all our situations are different, we are all fighting the same war to protect, love, and serve those we care for. You can’t go wrong. Treat yourself with the same love and concern you have for others, and you will do just fine.