Caring for the Caregiver

Caring for the Caregiver

I often hear individuals that are caregivers complain about how tired and overwhelmed they are.  They never have time for themselves because they are busy taking care of a parent, spouse, child,  sibling, or a friend. There is no one else to do it but me.

caregiver overwhelmed

Then the bitterness begins to rise up because they have taken on too much. Sometimes it is by choice, obligation or guilt that they find themselves in this situation. The doctor’s appointments, the changing of diapers, administering of meds, baths, fixing meals, repeating yourself over and over, early signs of dementia, making arrangements for late bills, lack of understanding because the doctor isn’t talking in layman’s terms, and the list goes on.

 

They now feel socially deprived because they have no life. If I don’t do it, who will. I don’t have time to go to the doctor to get myself checked out because I don’t have support help me get a break. I work with a lot of people in the healthcare arena and they go from caring for the sick to going home and the saga continues. Burned out Barbara and Tempered Tony can’t seem to get help.

If we don’t find time to take care of ourselves then we will be looking for someone to take care of us.

My mother would always say, “I am the most important person to me and I love me some me. “ She wasn’t selfish, she was smart. I remember when my father became sick due to diabetes, high blood pressure, and other health challenges which led to both of his legs getting amputated. It came to a point when his organs begin to shut down and the doctors told us that his life was coming to an end. My mother was by his side faithfully every day. But one thing I remembered is when she came home, she would make herself some hot water, play the piano, and take a nice hot bath. This was her way of relaxing and getting reset for the next day of being at the hospital.

Me and Mom McIntosh
Me and My Mom, Marguerite McIntosh (1922-2008)

Even if it’s an hour, it is important to take care of yourself as the caregiver. If you are an offspring that sits on the sidelines and watches another sibling care for the parent and you don’t participate, then shame on you. There is a saying: If one mother can raise 10 children, then surely 10 children should be able to care for their mother.

Unfortunately this is not the case in many families so you see someone that is burned out, stressed out, overwhelmed. It’s time to step up and give relief. Preparing meals, running errands, shoveling snow, taking their kids to the library and helping them with the home work, or even come and sit with the person that is challenged to give the caregiver a break.


black caregiver

 Trust me what goes around comes around and you will be blessed beyond belief.

Have you ever had to be the caregiver? What was your experience like?

5 Responses to Caring for the Caregiver

  1. thanks for the information. I am caring for my 85 year old mom and i appreciate any helpful tips. I look forward to hearing more!

    • Get in contact with the Detroit Area of Aging, They have a lot of recourses that will assist you in the journey of caring for your mom.

  2. Thank you for speaking for me and other caregivers who are primary caregivers .sending love ❤

  3. Wonderful relevant article. So many could benefit from this article. I have friends who are taking care of parents and it is quite challenging. Often siblings are not as helpful and supportive as you think they would. Just as in the article , one mother can take care of 10 kids but 10 kids cannot take care of 1 mother. Have mercy!

  4. You’re so right Portia! I am my mom’s only child,and have been her caregiver for 20 years.