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
[email protected]
310 673 3349
What Are Others Saying?
What Are Clients SayingWe listen as professionals tell us about their services, programs, projects and presentations. We understand they are providing solutions for their clients. It is important to hear what the clients think about the services that are being provided.
I have listed some recent client testimonies. Let me know what you think.
Angela and her coaching skills have been rewarding for me and my family. We look forward to our conference calls with her. Andrew L.
New Beginnings is really a comprehensive servie to get you foing again and feeling better about your caregiving relationships. Carol J.
Warm, friendly, gentle, kind and compassionalte. Conversations with Angela are all about you — helping you get or figure out what you want, where you want to be — Claudia S.
Angela listens. That’s the best part of it. Martha G.
Have you heard Angela’s laugh? It is warm and soothing. She is a gentle spirit helping me to take better care of myself. I feel her smile through the phone. Sandra H.
I call her my Angel. Jackie B.
I want to hear from you. Call to get a complimentary discovery session. Take the survey. Caregiving is on-the-job training for many family members. It is helpful to have some assistance through this journey.
Remember, Caregivers really do need care, too.
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Is It Time for a Nursing Care Facility?
This is a dreaded decision for many families and caregivers. We procrastinate. Maybe we can do more. Perhaps we can get others to assist more often. Mom or Dad is just having a bad day, week or month. We rationalize. Sometimes we start to believe our excuses.
We are often faced with the emotions of not being the best we can be for our family member. Is this really true?
These are some reasons to give serious thought to placing a loved one in a loving, caring, well-staffed facility.
Lifting becomes more difficult. If our loved-one has limited mobililty, this day-to-day movement becomes a real challenge. Assistance is not always there when we need it.
Has Mom or Dad ever tried to harm you? This can become very dangerous. Who is going to continue the care if you are harmed?
How are you caring for your own health? Are you experiencing more fatigue as your caregiving becomes more progressive? Have you missed medical appointments? Is your health declining?
When is the last time you have gone out with friends? Have they stopped asking you to join them as often?
Does your spouse have needs such as changing wounds, preparing medicines that you are no longer able to manage?
What about your finances? Has it become more expensive to care for your loved one in your home than the cost of a facility?
How many yes’s did you have? It may be time to consider a nursing care facility. Let’s talk about it.
At New Beginnings, the focus is on you — the caregiver because in the midst of your caregiving, you need care too.
www.caregiversneedcaretoo.com
www.facebook.com/newbeginningsforcaregivers
[email protected]
To Thine Self Be True
How long will it take you to list the on-going responsibilites you encounter as a caregiver? There are various phases. The day-to-day tasks often become more and more progressive as our loved ones continue on their journey. How do you- the caregiver- determine if you are the chosen one to assist your family member through this transition? Is there another family memvver who has more patience than you? Has another family member or friend been trained to handle some of the caregiving responsibilites that you aren’t quite sure of handling?
Being a caregiver requires self-knowledge. You really have to know your tolerance levels. Are you able to answer the same question over and over again from the dementia parent? How about the lifting and food preparation? Realize it’s admirable to delegate some of your services. It eases the load for you.
How many hours of sleep are you getting on a regular basis to function at your best? Are you taking naps? Are you getting exercise? Are you eating properly?
What about boundaries? Have you established requirements for your to-do list? Have you permanently removed some items from that list?
Are you continuing to take and spend time with other family members and friends? Getting lost in the midst of caregiving is easy. Remaining true to your self is necessary and much deserved. There may be days when you feel like spending time alone. Call in a friend, neighbor or family member who is constantly asking,”how can I help”. You will be relieved and others will be able to experience some of your daily routine. Go to see a movie. Take a walk on the beach or to the park. Go to the library and read a book.
If you are true to yourself. You will be more comfortable and a better caregiver for your loved one. It’s crucial for you to get the care you want, need and deserve because CareGivers Need Care Too.
Call me for a complimentary consultation. 310 673 3349 www.caregiversneedcaretoo.com