Tips for the Caregiver…from Someone Who’s Been There

Are you a part of the “sandwich” generation? You may find yourself stuck right in the middle, constantly on the go and overly busy… taking care of our parents and our kids at the same time! It can be an overwhelming task…I know because I had 2 very young parents diagnosed with cancer only 1 year apart, one terminally ill, one not. It’s hard, so hard…and being “overwhelmed” becomes our middle name! I am sure you have your own heartfelt story and feel the squeeze and pressures every day. So, how do we do “life” with the cards we have been dealt? The answer…We “JUST DO IT” because it is our choice and privilege to be there for the people we love! Right?

If you find yourself trying to meet the demands of those you love and care deeply about and want to find some balance at the same time…here are some helpful tips I discovered along my path as a caregiver to both my parents and my kids and I want to pass them on to you!

TIPS FOR HELPING THE CAREGIVER

1. Hang on to what you have, remember each day you have with your loved one is a gift
2. Reach out to others for support! Remember, you need to have your own support network of family and friends to support you along the way. We can draw strength from others to get us through a tough day!
3. Accept help from others. Deep down inside people care and really do want to help! So accept a meal they want to make for you, let them run errands or help with your kids! You are giving them a gift…by letting them help you!
4. Keep up your own health, get plenty of sleep, eat well, take your vitamins and get exercise even if it’s just a walk around the block.
5. Maintain your friendships and share your feelings and thoughts with those you trust. Maintain your connections through Facebook, e-mail, phone, texting or whichever way you choose…just keep connected.
6. Remember what you are doing is all in the name of LOVE! As a caregiver you are doing one of the most loving things you can do for someone, taking care of them when they are unable to care for themselves.
7. Journal your experience, it will help you to see how strong you really are.
8. Strengthen your spiritual life, pray and meditate often…it is rewarding!
9. Try to find one positive thing about your day and reflect on it! Never talk about unpleasant things such as illness, before bed.
10. Stay Positive, it will help everyone involved!

If you are currently or have been a caregiver at some point in your life, I would love to hear your story and the tips you found to be helpful during your caregiving season! Please share with us, we can learn from you!