Caregiving is an important role that family members often assume. The Family Caregiver can be responsible for caring for their loved ones who are disabled, chronically ill, or aging. Caring for a loved one can involve various tasks, from assisting with daily activities such as bathing and dressing to handling medical care and coordinating appointments.

The Family Caregiver and Stress

Being a caregiver can be a rewarding experience, allowing individuals to provide support and care for their loved ones. However, it can also be challenging and stressful, particularly if the caregiver is balancing work, family, and other responsibilities.

A family caregiver needs to take care of themselves and their loved ones. Self-Care may involve reaching out for support from other family members, friends, or community resources or seeking respite care to allow for time off. Chatforcaregivers.com

Dad

Caregiving can also have financial implications for family caregivers, who may need to reduce their work hours or take time off to provide care. Caregivers need to understand the financial resources available, such as Medicaid and Medicare, and any caregiver support programs offered through their employer or community organizations.

Self-Care

Overall, being a family caregiver can be a challenging but important role. By taking care of themselves and seeking support, caregivers can provide the best care for their loved ones while maintaining their well-being. Me-time is usually last on the agenda. Worse, we can sometimes feel guilty about taking the time required to take care of ourselves. So getting started with self-care can be challenging.

I wish I had been a little more prepared for the challenges of being a full-time caregiver. When I started, Mom and Dad were fairly independent. Dad asked for help when he was 90 years old. As a result, I flew to be with them the day I retired. Mom needed me, and I was happy and fully committed to caring for them both.

In Conclusion

Dad sent this email asking for help 2 weeks before I retired. I asked for a personal day; I am an educator and helped Dad. Then, I realized how much Dad really needed me when he first asked 6 months before. The first year was easy enough, but I was on a steep learning curve when Dad fractured his hip Jan. 2020. I had been with them for 18 months. Learning so much from that first incident from the aides, nurses, and doctors, made it easier for me day by day. The social services department at Dad’s rehab was very helpful, provided resources, and introduced me to the POA. In fact, it was there that we had the first POA. I was grateful for all that information and was provided with resources to help me along my journey.