I address this article to those of you who are the remaining spouse, having placed your loved one into a care facility. This is a personal story discussing and affirming the feelings experienced by caregivers of Alzheimers patients.
Isolation is a big part of caregiving. Society seems to forget we are out here doing all we can for our loved ones. The world at large focuses on larger issues and leaves caregivers to fend for ourselves.
One of the biggest health care crises in the U.S. today is the exhaustion and depression by people who care for aging relatives and friends, sometimes overdecades.
A sharing of how faith influences the caregiver’s perspective on life, including guilt, trust, and confidence. An exercise of thought on these issues is included.
To provide optimal care for the loved ones, a caregiver must not forget about his/herself. Care for your health and treat yourself to something you like to do once in a while to keep you motivated and balanced.
Burnout can be dangerous to you and your loved one who you care for. Burnout can be very damaging and is quite common among caregivers. Signs and symptoms of burnout and how to prevent it are included.
With the Christmas season comes reflection on inner peace and reconciliation with anger, resentment, and fear. This is my thoughts on these issues.
Do you know someone that is a caregiver? The next time you are tempted to say: “Let me know if there is anything I can do to help” – don’t just say it – do something. Some simple suggestions of how you can help are provided.
Because a vast majority of those being cared for are elderly, a large number represent Veterans of past World Wars. The author reflects on the needs of war Veterans and makes a request to relieve the loneliness of those we love.
Loneliness is an inescapable part of being human. The sense of being left out, isolated, misunderstood or abandoned are all part of what a care-giver can feel. Suggestions on how to overcome this sense of loneliness are given.
