As a caregiver, you're going to learn an awful lot. Much of what you'll learn can help you in other situations, too.
Some Days Are Going to Be Better than Others
It's tempting to believe that every day is going to be rosy and beautiful as a caregiver. Unfortunately, that's not entirely the case. Some days you're going to question your decision to even be a caregiver. You'll probably also question every decision you've ever made as a caregiver. This will pass because every day is a new day.
You Won't Feel Prepared Sometimes
Impostor syndrome is very real and you're going to experience it as a caregiver. A step beyond simply questioning your decisions, this is going to make you feel as if you're not cut out at all to be a caregiver. This is something else that will pass if you allow it to do so.
You're Going to Feel Some Feelings
Caregiving is going to inspire lots of warm, loving feelings in you. You'll be amazed at your capacity to care for your family member in all sorts of situations. You're also going to be amazed at some of the other feelings you're going to experience. You'll feel angry. You'll feel frustrated. And you may even feel like giving up. How you handle these feelings is what really matters.
You Need a Self-care Plan
So many caregivers have intricate plans for taking care of their aging family members, but they don't have a plan for caring for themselves. You have to have a self-care plan because that's going to help you to be there for your aging adult. Doing this sooner rather than later is vital.
You Will Need Help
Most caregivers want to believe that they can handle everything on their own. For a while, this might be true for you, but like all caregivers, you're going to need to come to terms with the fact that you're going to need help at some point. Hiring senior care providers is a great way to fast-track that assistance because they know what it's like to help caregivers just like you.
"Fair" Happens in the Fall
Caregiving is going to feel unfair at times. There may be times that you make sacrifices or that you want to be elsewhere, but you can't. like many situations in life, though, fairness doesn't often factor into what really happens.
Every caregiving experience is different, but there are enough similarities that you and the other caregivers you meet will have plenty in common. Forming relationships with other caregivers can get you through some of your more difficult times.
If you or an aging loved-one are considering hiring a Caregiver in Culver City, CA, please call Mom's Home Care and talk to our friendly, knowledgeable staff. Our number is 323-244-4789
