Caregiving is a challenge but you can successfully do it!

Most often the role of caregiving is not something that comes to us slowly. It hits us abruptly after a loved one’s illness, fall or hospital stay.

One day your life is full and you have plans for the future and the next day, BAM! Life has taken an unexpected turn.

If you have just begun this caregiver journey, you may not know how you are going to do this, especially since your plate is already full. How do you gain the confidence you need to do this caregiving thing and do it right?

You take it one step at a time.

First – You need to pull up every bit of courage and patience you have from your toe nails and tell yourself YOU CAN DO

Senior Living Advice

with BETH DOW, Geriatric Care Manager

THIS! You may have doubts, you may not know how, but you can survive this.

Next – Learn everything you can about the illness or injury that your loved one has. Read, Google and go to workshops.

Third – Call a mandatory family conference. This can be in-person, by phone or by FaceTime. The purpose of this call is to get everyone on the same page

... This is what we are dealing with, this is what it means, and I cannot do it alone. I am going to survive this and I need your help to do so. If you need help with this conversation ask a trusted friend, pastor or a Geriatric Case Manager.

Fourth – Run, do not walk to your nearest Elder Law Attorney, Financial Advisor, Banker and VA Specialist. You need to know what financial resources are available to help with care. You need to know if name changes on property, bonds, etc., need to happen. You need to make sure all your legal paperwork, wills, trusts and Power of Attorneys are in order. If your loved one is a veteran, you need to know how to apply for the programs they are entitled to.

Fifth – Commit to not doing this alone. Caring for someone does not mean that you provide 100% of the care. The best care you can give your loved one may not be the care you provide. How many super heroes have you seen save the world all on their own? You’ve got to let someone else help.

Sixth – Do not isolate. Isolation is one of the most damaging effects that caregiving has on the caregiver. Continue to go to church, go out with friends and find a support group.

Seventh – Consider that your loved one may not be the only one that needs to be medicated. Caregiving is stressful.

One doctor said that 97% of all illnesses could be traced back to stress. You have got to survive this: for yourself and for your loved one. Go to your doctor, get a checkup and get on something to help you with anxiety, stress and depression. And last – Don’t forget to laugh. It has been proven, that laughter improves your mood and helps the chemicals in your brain, maintain balance.

Caregiving is hard but you can do this, one step at a time.

Beth Dow is a Dementia and Alzheimer’s Educator, CAEd and Geriatric Care Manager. She is also the owner of Home Helpers of GA & AL in Newnan. Readers can contact her by email at bdow@ homehelpershomecare.com.

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