Finding balance and support when navigating the role of a caregiver
There is no denying it … caregiving is downright hard. It is the kind of hard that you don’t really know until you are in the thick of it. Caregiving can feel isolating despite the fact you are at appointments or on the phone and with your loved one around the clock. The endless to-do lists, full calendars and heightened attention to the needs of the loved one leaves you drained. This can be a fulfilling role but also often overlooked because life is moving at a fast pace. Caregivers often get lost in the shuffle.
Caregivers, you are not alone.
According to McKnight Senior Living, more than 1 in 4 Americans ages 50 and over are caregivers and looking after at least one family member or friend who has a health problem or disability. These caregivers are considered part of the “Sandwich Generation,” individuals who are simultaneously caring for both aging parents and their own children. They are navigating the roller coaster of life events with the highest highs and the lowest lows. The joy of graduations, weddings, grandchildren, balancing a career and planning their own retirement is met with hard decisions such as what is going to happen to mom? What does a diagnosis mean for dad? How do we help our parents downsize? Should we consider moving them into retirement living?
As the instruction goes before an airplane flight: you must put on your oxygen mask before assisting others. The lesson: You have to take care of yourself to take care of others. While it is easier said than done, caregivers, you can’t do it all. It’s okay to take a deep breath and a moment of self-care for yourself as well. Think about it as care for the caregiver. For example, ensure you are getting quality sleep, eating balanced and nutritious meals and staying connected to your own friends and hobbies.
Ready for that hug? Try seeking solace from other caregivers. A network of caregivers allows for the sharing of experiences, encouragement when things are feeling heavy, and learning from each other. No matter the diagnosis that a caregiver is helping to support, there are common themes and the feeling of being in the trenches together.
Country Meadows is here for you!
Country Meadows Retirement Communities are here to lean on and have organized support networks that connect caregivers with resources and programming and compassionate advisors who are ready to listen, encourage and offer advice. Additionally, there are resources like our free guides to help caregivers navigate the journey with their loved ones. You can also check out what events are planned at a campus near you. These events are open to the public and are a great introduction into what resident life is like at Country Meadows. Contact us for more information.
