There are so many ways we become caregivers for our loved ones. Each pathway carries with it unique challenges family caregivers must hurdle.
An everyday walk in the park with grandma can turn into a fall that results in a potentially life -changing broken bone. Suddenly, there is an ambulance, surgery, and, hopefully, recovery and a successful rehab.
Other families are dealing with the cumulative effects of a long decline.
Whatever the path or circumstance, people all over the globe are becoming caregivers to loved ones. Even those who consider themselves prepared, find themselves at the base of a very steep learning curve.
Recognizing that most family caregivers do not have the luxury of time to leisurely figure things out, I have continued with my efforts to effectively flatten that learning curve – both in my books, and at various speaking engagements.
With a mantra, “No one should have to reinvent the wheel,” tucked into my heart, I shared “Unique Tips for Family Caregivers That Will Amaze You,” to save others the struggle of solo learning. This fifty-five-minute program hosted by Minerva Villarreal and facilitated by Evalyn Greb, is a part of the outreach program by the WellMed Charitable Foundation.
Another program they do to support caregiver needs is their shorter, “Caregiver SOS On Air” podcast. I will be doing a return visit on June 25th to this great podcast.
HERE is the link to my first Caregiver SOS On Air podcast on December 19, 2024. Scroll to the bottom of their page to find it, but also check out the other titles to see what a rich resource they provide caregivers.
While no longer a caregiver, I am always on the lookout for any resource that could help others, and I have found Family Caregivers Support Group on Facebook to provide an excellent venue for caregivers to connect and support each other.
In the steady stream of postings, I not only see the despair and self-sacrifice of overwhelmed caregivers – but also an abundance of love, understanding, and great wisdom from others readily, lending their support and ideas.
Not a caregiver?
That’s great, but I bet you know one.
Did you ever tell them, “Call me if you need anything?”
We’ve all probably said that. When they don’t call, we think everything must be okay.
Meh.
That’s probably not the case.
Often, caregivers don’t know what they need. They probably are not used to asking for help or being on the receiving end of a kind gesture.
In my recent webinar, I was advising others that being a caregiver could mean all kinds of tasks, and what those who would like to help them could do:
- Decorate their loved one’s room with simple seasonal decorations.
- Put up a birdfeeder for their loved one to watch, and keep it refilled.
- Either take them out for a coffee or offer to stop by and bring the coffee and a treat.
- Offer to stay with their loved for a few hours one so they can go for a walk or run errands.
- Just stop by and sit with them. No special conversation is needed.
- Maybe pray with them.
Sometimes, the caregivers are a little hesitant to reach out with requests. I encourage them to do so, but those of us on the outside might need to be more proactive in doing something seemingly small, but which becomes giant-sized because of its loving consideration.
We’re all in this together!
In health –
Deidre
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