New Year Resolutions for Caregivers

I love the beginning of a new year! It gives me hope that I can be better at something. If you are anything like me you have probably made resolutions each year hoping to improve one or more aspects of you and/or your life.  As I look back, I can't say any of those resolutions I so courageously set, were ever achieved.  I honestly am trying to bring one to mind.....maybe by the end of this post;).


My niece recently put her resolutions on facebook for all to see...any envy.  She claims she is sticking with the same resolutions she set last year as she "achieved them all." Here they are in their entirety:

#1-Drink more Diet Coke
#2-Eat more chocolate
#3-Watch more reality TV

I like how she thinks!  

As a caregiver, you may be thinking of goals that not only help you but that help your family and the loved one you are caring for.  I would like to suggest a few and hope that anyone reading this feels free to offer some wisdom also.

1. Take time for YOU!  

I cannot tell you how many caregivers burn themselves out trying to take care of their loved one, their family, their job.  The one thing they overlook is themselves.  If you don't take care of you, how can you possibly take care of others?

Taking care of you could include anything, a walk, a visit on the phone with a friend, an evening out with spouse or friends. It is the simplest things that will bring the most joy and relief to you.  Don't be afraid to ask for help from friends, family or providers from home health or hospice.  They are there to help you.  You could even schedule your time when they are there providing cares.

2. Share the care.

This resolution really goes hand in hand with number one.  Let others assist you in caring for your loved one.  Sometimes, the problem isn't wanting to share the care, it is actually getting another family member to step in and help.  I have seen, many times, family members realize that the caregiver is getting burnt out and not know what they can do to help. If you are a family member, don't be afraid to jump in!  Offer your help, your time.  Sometimes, just the offer can make a huge difference.  If you are the caregiver, accept the help! Don't worry if it is not done the way you would do it, just accept the help and take a break to renew yourself.

3. Attend a caregiver support group. 

This may be out of your comfort zone but it really can make a difference for you.  You will be able to talk with other people in the same situation as you.  You may learn how to deal with a difficult area of caregiving from others experience or even be able to share what you have learned with others, making their lives better.  Many caregivers underestimate their value and knowledge of being a caregiver but there are so many who need to hear your wisdom.

Well, there you have it....three resolutions for caregivers...all of them perfectly attainable.  

Please let me know if there is anything I can do for you and your family. I will be adding some resources for caregivers on the blog and I invite you to visit them as well as pass on the information to others who might need the information.

Happy New Year!