Are You a New Caregiver? Here Are Five Helpful Things!
Every day, someone is called to serve as a caregiver. According to AARP, about 43.5 million people were caregivers to children or adults in the past year, with over 21% of households impacted by caregiving. If you have joined the ranks, welcome. You are clearly not alone!
As a new caregiver, it can be hard to know where to start. Here are five things that can help you learn more and begin to settle in to provide appropriate assistance:
1. Know what you’re dealing with. Caregiving can come suddenly, such as after an injury. Or it can develop slowly, as the person begins to lose his memory or her personality begins to change. A disease may cause physical strength to fade. It’s important to get a diagnosis, so you can find specialists and resources that will be most useful.
2. Start to build your team. You will want to include family members and possibly friends who are willing to pitch in. Hold a meeting to explain the situation and to let everyone talk about not only what they can do, but also how they feel about what is happening. Depending on what’s needed, and what others can offer, you can start to schedule a care plan using the volunteers at hand.
3. Make sure legal bases are covered. If your loved one is able, now is the time to discuss his health care wishes and her financial situation. If no Durable Power of Attorney is in place, make every effort to do it while the person can be involved. (Every adult should do this anyway, no matter what your age or current state of health.)
4. Look to the community. What do you need now and what do you anticipate in the future? As a new caregiver, there are some valuable resources to help in your new role. Hospitals sponsor support groups; community colleges offer classes and workshops; social service agencies can help enroll in programs such as Meals on Wheels. Go online or call to become familiar with the many possible ways to get assistance.
5. Build self-care into your day. Right from the start, learn to take care of yourself. Your health and well-being are the foundation of your ability to be a caregiver. Take walks, meet friends, and keep appointments. Eat well and get proper rest. Whether you knit, meditate, or take karate, keep up your favorite interests.
Caregiving has its challenges. It also has benefits: knowing you are providing necessary support in a fundamental way can be very satisfying. As Pablo Casals said, " The capacity to care is the thing that gives life its deepest significance and meanings." Welcome again, new caregiver!
