Caregiver Self-Care

You have undoubtedly heard the wise

statement, Put your oxygen mask on first!
This is a great metaphor for caregivers as
they sometimes have a tendency to forget
about their own needs.

By taking care of yourself first, you can care
for others best. Yes, thats right you owe it
to yourself and your loved ones to recharge
your batteries and regroup from time to time.

There is no magic timeframe youll just
instinctively know. Listen to your inner voice
and take her advice.

Learn to Let Go

If you find yourself in the position for caring
for someone who hurt you in the past,
intentionally or unintentionally consider
the following for ways of working through any
unresolved negative emotions that may be
triggered by your caregiving role.

Journaling
Guided meditations
Professional counseling
Caregiver support groups
Spiritual counselor
Life coach
Prayer
The Gift of
Caregiving

To care for those who
once cared for us is one
of the highest honors.
-Tia Walker
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Dad, I was thinking about some
friends of mine whose parents are
getting older and they are having to
make some decisions about their
parents care. The challenge seems to be
that they never talked with their
parents about what they would want
them to do if they were unable care for
themselves.
I wondered if you would be open to
having a conversation about this so
that you are always in control of your
life (versus me being the one in control).
It would mean a lot to me to be able
to insure you continue making your
own choices.
Congratulations on embracing the
caregiving journey!

Lets face it, most people would rather not think
about having to care for their parents as they
grow old, much less have conversations with
them about it!

You, however, are not like most people
YOU are different! By equipping yourself with a
few key tools and resources, you instinctively
know that your experience of caregiving no
matter how involved will be a gift to both you
and your aging parents.

Preparedness = Peace of mind

If you live in a place where natural disasters
occur, you likely have a plan in place and have
rehearsed it with your family.

Think of preparing for your role as caregiver
much like you would consider creating a
disaster preparedness plan in the event of a
hurricane, tornado, earthquake, or fire.

Create a contingency plan in hopes that you
never need to fully utilize it. Being prepared
makes all the difference if you ever do.
Communication

The best time to discuss potential future care
needs is before a crisis occurs. By opening the
conversation early and giving everyone time to
consider options and voice potential concerns,
the dialog is more productive and less
emotionally charged.

Empowering Conversations

Independence, autonomy, and freedom are
values held near and dear, especially to those
raised in the Western culture. This doesnt
change with age, if anything the desire to
maintain ones independence only becomes
stronger in later years.


Consider the following conversation starter:

Example Conversation Topics

Finances
What is the current and future financial
outlook?

Healthcare
Is there an advanced healthcare directive
in place?

Driving
What circumstances might warrant not
driving any longer?

Living Arrangements
Where will they live if they cannot live at
home?

End of Life Plans
What are their wishes upon death?

Estate Planning
Are there legal instruments in place, such
as, a will, trust, or power of attorney?

Legacy
How do they want to be remembered?