Five Ways to Celebrate Being A Caregiver ? Caregiver Connections ...

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Anyone who has been in the role of a caregiver knows that it is a stressful, sometimes emotionally draining challenge, especially when you couple that with having to care for yourself, your own family and in most cases, a full time job. Many caregivers also deal with feelings of resentment and anger at siblings that aren?t pulling their weight when it comes to taking care of aging parents. Juggling care for an aging relative, work, home and private life all work to drain the emotional and physical health of the caregiver.

Dealing with your own mental and physical health when in the stressful role of caregiver cannot be ignored. However, caregiving comes with many gratifying opportunities if you take the time to step back every once in a while and count your blessings. Taking a day off or even a few hours to relax and recharge helps you offset any negative emotions that come from the role of caregiving. If you?ve equipped your family?s home with a medical alert monitoring device you can easily take time off because you can have peace of mind knowing that should there be a medical emergency, EMT?s or a simple call to a relative or neighbor is available at the push of a button on the medical alert device.

Here are a few things to be thankful for when you?re charged with being a caregiver:

1. ?Your importance in the lives of your aging parents cannot be diminished. They took care of you when you needed them and now it?s your chance to help them out as they age. They?re now looking to you for reassurance, assistance and moral support.
2. If life?s circumstances or distance have caused you to be out of touch with your parents, taking on the role of caregiver can reconnect you. By becoming involved in their healthcare needs and adult-proofing their home, you can help them toward the goal of aging in place.
3. While it?s never truly spoken of, being a caregiver allows you to repay your parents for all the sacrifices they made when you were growing up. Caring for them as they age allows you an opportunity to silently say ?thank you for being there for me. Now it?s my turn.?
4. Be a bright spot in their day because as we age, health issues or other problems can come up at any time. Your companionship may mean more to them than you realize. While your parents may not come out and say it, the idea that you are there for them, regardless of whether they need you for something large or small, can truly put their minds at ease.
5. Use the time with your parents to celebrate ?family?. You?ve heard it said that ?laughter if the best medicine? so take time to laugh and enjoy being together. Spend some time going through photo albums, take a Sunday car ride, or turn a trip to the grocery store into a memorable occasion. The memories you make when you?re spending time with your aging loved ones will be ones you will cherish for a lifetime.

As long as you?re are aware that caregiving is a taxing and often a seemingly thankless job, remember that this is the stage of life that your parents need to turn to you for help, comfort and care.

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Source: http://lifefoneblog.com/2012/10/06/five-ways-to-celebrate-being-a-caregiver/

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