Harriet Hodgson - Affirmations For Family Caregivers

Each morning I awaken with a sense of purpose. Attentive listening is a gift for my loved one and a gift for me. Bad days (and all caregivers have them) often occur because of lack of sleep. Every day is a jewel in the necklace of life, and I will remember these days whenmy task is done. Planning is key to good caregiving, and I involve my loved one in planning as muchas possible. I grant my loved ones wishesa favorite meal, good books to read, watching televisiontogetherand this is a joy.

Assessing my loved ones needs is an ongoing task. Im not afraid to try new things, make mistakes, admit them, and learn from them. Im my loved ones advocate and accept the responsibilities that come with this task. Changes in plans dont throw me off balance; they activate my coping skills. Being a family caregiver doesnt erase the need for courtesy and tact. Caregiving experience teaches me as much, maybe more, than any course I take.

Past caregiving experience applies to current experience in surprising ways. Every job has its messy aspects, and that makes me appreciate the non-messy aspectsmore. Caregiving generates lots of paperwork, and I file information as soon as it arrives. I give myself permission to be a non-perfectionist. When Im at the grocery store, I stock up on caregiving supplies to save anothertrip. I had to give up on some things to become a caregiver, and thats okay.

I continueto learn about caregiving, a process that helps my loved one and me. Today is a good day to try something new. There is a wealth of caregiving information on the Internet, but Im selective aboutthe websites I visit and what I read. Becoming a caregiver links me with 65+ million other family caregivers in America.Wow! Becoming a caregiver has altered my self-concept, and it is greater than before. Because surprise visitors can throw off our daily routine, I prepare for them. Helping my loved one set new goals is one of my tasks. Caregiving is a balancing act between my loved ones dependence and need for independence. Whenever possible, I give my loved one choices so he or she can retain a sense ofcontrol. Dependability is my greatest caregiving asset, and Im proud of it. Im not afraid to revise my task list when necessary. Im not afraid to revise my task list when necessary.

Creativity is an important part of each caregiving day. Instead of haste, a slow and steady caregiving approach usually works best. Modifying a home for caregiving may become a work in progress. Conducting regular home assessments helps to keep my loved one safe. As I go about my daily tasks, I try not to be hard on myself, and I cut myself someslack. To reduce stress, I avoid tight, demanding schedules.

All caregivers have hecticdays, and when this happens I consciously calm my mind. Demanding as the daily routine may be, having a routine is better than none. Written reminders help me and my loved one, and I use them often. Grocery lists, health care lists, and To Do lists help me manage my caregiving. To manage my time, I keep a neat house and prioritize tasks. Experience can be a harsh teacher, yet I remember the caregiving lessons.

Categorizing concerns (loved ones health, money, legal documents, training, communication,personal health) is the first problem-solving step. Limiting discussion to one topic at a time improves caregiver-receiver communication. Linking the older generation with the younger is a permanent goal. Writing a caregiving job description helps me clarify my thinking and tasks. Spoken and written words affirm my caregiving. I apply my innate talents to caregiving.

It isnt enough to think about caregiving;I act on my best thoughts. Laws change, and updating a will is a good thing to do. I understand that men may approach caregiving differently than women. Choices are part of each day, and I make them by answering the question, Whatsbest for my loved one?