Thursday, August 1, 2013

Caregivers - Take Care of Yourself

 
 
A Prayer for the Caregiver
By Bruce McIntrye
 
Unknown and often unnoticed, you are a hero nonetheless,
For your love, sacrificial, is God at his best,
You walk by faith in the darkness of the great unknown,
And your courage, even in weakness, gives life to your beloved.
 
You are resilient, amazing, and beauty unexcelled,
You are the caregiver and you have done well!
 
Caregivers, you deserve recognition for your tremendous contribution to families and society. You are the silent heroes and heroines. In order to give the best care possible to your loved one, you must take care of your needs. So often, caregivers take a backseat to the wants of the care recipient - this may work for a short term but not for the long run.
Learn to be proactive. Caregiving is a delicate balancing act so you need to continuously be prepared. What are some practical methods?
- Use a 'Sphere of Influence' - You care for your parent, friend, or spouse, from a sphere of influence. The people who influence your loved one may be you, your sister, Angela, and her husband, Peter, and their doctor, Michael Wildwood, D.O. Then you have influence from others such as your husband Christopher, your daughter, Juliana, and son, Auri, your family internist, Marshal Nordstrom, M.D. and your mom's best friend, Lily. As you care for your love one, you gain knowledge from others and the sphere continues. And think about all the people who gain information from you and all the people we mention in this group. Consider using your 'sphere of influence' by tapping into resources around you and passing them on.
- Want to relieve tension? Sit in a rocking chair and rock away your troubles. People hold babies rocking them in their arms to console or help them fall asleep. My grandmother spent countless afternoons relaxing in her rocking chair.
- Exercise lifts your spirits and energy. Start off slow and increase gradually moving to an amount of time that is comfortable. However, consider meeting with your doctor for an evaluation prior to starting an exercise routine.
- Open up the blinds in the morning and switch on the lights. Light helps us feel more alert than dark.
- Eat healthy breakfasts high in fiber, fruits, and vegetables. Avoid fat-free because some people crave more food after eating rather than choosing low-fat. Stay away from fast food. If you do go, check calorie content prior to ordering.  
- Comfort foods may taste good - they decrease stamina.
- Respite is not a gift. Learn to ask others for help. If you do not have anyone, develop a plan. Even if you find someone for two hours every other week, that is a start.
- Stay connected by calling friends and family on a consistent basis.   
- Other caregivers understand. They live what you are going through. Join a support group - whether it is one in your community, online or both.
- If you start feeling depressed, seek out professional help. 
- Some places of worship have programs and also people you can talk with. With many, you do not need to be a member to participate.
- Maintain physical health with medical and dental appointments. Take medications and supplements as recommended by your health care provided.
- Contact Area Agency on Aging - learn about services in your community. Look for local resources for caregivers.
- Consider Adult Day Care Centers and In-Home Caregivers.  
- Take warm baths. Or go in a room, close the door and read or listen to music for 20-30 minutes.  
- Find something that brings you peace whether it is mediation, spirituality, faith, or all of these.
- Tears are cleansing. Give yourself permission.
- Appreciate your efforts and do not hold on to guilt.
- Maintain a sense of humor.  
 
I would like to say I do all these things because I don't. Caregiving is not easy. It is a constant check and balance. I usually know when I need to work on an areas. And I know if I am having difficulty then there is an underlying reason. Being aware and not giving up is key to taking care of yourself.  
 
Caregivers - Each day do something especially for you. "Reach for Your Special Rainbow" - whatever that gift may be and cherish it.