Pressing Reset on Your Caregiving Role
By Kimberly Whiter
What you might be feeling?
Family caregiving situations come with a
considerable amount of strain, specifically negative effects on family
caregiver physical, mental, and social health.
This includes:
●
an increased risk of depression
●
decreased quality of life
●
increased anxiety
●
feelings of personal burden
●
feelings of frustration
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feelings of helplessness
●
feelings of anger
●
negative effects on family
caregiver finances, due to high out-of-pocket spending for families
Elderly care needs are incredibly complex and ever-changing in nature. Additionally, elder care needs are persistent and require a high level of vigilance. This often results in family caregivers providing a high level of care for their loved one(s). AND they are often left with high levels of unmet personal needs.
You have control over how you approach family
caregiving and there are ways to change some of the bad feelings above to more
positive ones. Let me make clear right away, this is NOT your typical self-care
messaging.
Family caregiving is a personal experience and
it looks different for every person. But what is common for everyone is how
demanding it is. You are pressed for time. You are juggling multiple competing
priorities. You have more roles in your life than just caretaker to your loved
one. So I won’t tell you to take long baths, fit in regular trips to the gym,
or any activities that you simply don’t have the time to do. I also won’t tell
you that you’re failing to practice good self-care if you aren’t doing those
types of things. I WILL share some more strategic ways to realistically claim
some time back for yourself and make caregiving a more positive experience.
While we are pressing reset, why not take it to another level! I’ve partnered this month with Erin Galyean from Badass Advocate. She took her caregiving experience and wrote the book on being a Badass. Her message of advocating for your loved one, yourself, and even others is one I can get behind! In addition to writing this blog together, a lucky member of our readership will win her book and her 30-day companion journal!
VISIT BADASS ADVOCATE