Statistics say 75% of us will either become or need a caregiver at some point in our lives. Most of us will become a Family Caregiver; we will take care of someone in our family, usually an elderly parent or spouse. Very few of us however are equipped to take on such a colossal role. As we consider the possibility or even the reality that we _will_ be a caregiver most of us are also faced with the dilemma of exactly how to be a caregiver.
Knowing your caregiving stages turns this intimidating, overwhelming, chaotic role into something manageable. It gives you confidence in whatever stage you are in while setting the foundation for the future caregiving stages. It gives you hope.
When you think about being a caregiver, one of the first things that comes to mind is elderly health and wellness. How can we promote health and wellness for an older adult and help them maintain a healthy lifestyle?
Including your loved one initially seems stressful. You don’t know what to expect from them. Will they really enjoy themselves? Is this just wasted effort? Will including them bring me more stress and ruin my holiday season? What’s important is that you show them through your efforts that they are still important.
When keeping your elderly loved one involved in the holiday season, it’s important to remember that your plans don’t have to be elaborate, expensive, or exciting. Your goal is to make memories with your elderly loved one not for them.
We hear a lot these days about making choices and how they’re our choices to make. Our society likes the idea of us making a choice for ourselves while our friends and family do nothing but applaud our individuality. Everyday however, caregivers are experiencing the backlash of our parents’ and loved ones’ individual lifestyle choices.
