The Caregiver's Guilt, The Benefits Of Stress, Part 8

Caregiving has advantages too. While caregiving has a high cost, there are rewards. It is sometimes known as "caregiver gain." Gains include a greater confidence and sense of purpose, personal satisfaction, and increased family relationships and closeness.  The demands of caregiving cause caregivers to move around more, and stay on their feet. Exercise can improve physical health and mental awareness. Speaking of mental performance, many aspects of managing another person's life and well-being can promote right and better thinking: monitoring medications, meal planning and preparation, scheduling, activities, medical care, financial responsibilities, etc. Caregivers often feel enhanced satisfaction and pride in their work and service. That is an important factor to deal with the stress. Caregivers are more adaptable, skillful with end of life issues, and become comforters during the season of bereavement.

For individuals who are prone to guilt and its crippling effects, you must manage your stress, resentment, and fear such that caregiving serves everyone's best interests rather than imprisons you. You can research and find numerous recommendations or suggestions for enhancing your performance as a caregiver, but here are some issues that helped me most:

-Take action: meet your needs. Needs are not good or bad; they just are. If you need some thing or some time alone, find someone to be with your loved one. Don't underestimate the healing and refreshment of an hour or two of respite, and certainly more, if you can arrange it.

-Ask for help: Call a friend or family member to admit your need. Sharing your burden can relieve some of the burden. You may be surprised to find out who is willing to help if you ask.

-Stay active; stay sociable: don't neglect people; avoid isolation.

-Draw near to the Lord: He will draw near to you. He promises.

You will be a more effective caregiver if you take care of yourself. Your loved one never wanted or expected you to become a slave. When you care for yourself, you become more efficient and effective caring for your loved one. Yes, guilt is part of caregiving. Don't ignore it. Admit it. Learn from it. You may be able to use it to become the caregiver you hope to be and that your loved one wants and needs you to be.