Reading, writing and arithmatic are important for caregivers. You read to your loved ones — checking their important documents, prescriptions and subscriptions. Perhaps they are not doing all their business on line. There is writing. The math comes into play with medicine dosages and their financial concerns.
Those are the reliable 3 R’s. However, there is a new group of R’s for caregivers. They are Reality, Risks and Results.
It generally takes some time for caregivers to realize the gravity full time care for a loved one. The day-to-day caring for mom or dad or a spouse can become overwhelming after a long period of time. How long is this new arrangement going to last? Who is there in a supporting role? Many caregivers become caregivers for 4 or more years. Depending on the health of our loved one, the caregiving may become progressive requiring more and more attention and time from the caregiver and their usual daily activities.
What risks are involved for the caregiver? Are you still working a full-time job and realizing that caregiving requires more and more of your time? Do you still have near-adult children at home or returning home from college? What happens to your personal relationships? Are you spending enough time with your spouse and your friends? Are you as a caregiver prepared for these and other risks? How about your health? Are you exercising, eating properly, getting adequate rest and taking “time outs”?
The third R is results. What are the results of your caregiving for your loved one? How much balance is in your life? How are you feeling about your new or not so new role as caregiver? Have you sought and reached out for support? Have you thought about what happens next?
If you would like more information on Caring for the Caregiver, send me a message. Caregivers give their best. They also deserve the best of care for themselves. Let me hear your thoughts.
www.caregiversneedcaretoo.om
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