Expert advice from medical specialist Doni Smith
A caregiver is someone who has provided care to an adult or a child with special needs for a few months or for several years. The aging population will force more adult children, spouses, relatives, and friends into caregiving roles.
According to Caregiving in the
U.S. 2020, a report from the National Alliance for Caregiving and AARP, 21.3 percent of U.S. adults are caregivers, the aging population will force more adult children, spouses, relatives, and friends into caregiving roles.
Most people become caregivers when a loved one needs help. So what can you do when you find you are spending more time assisting with daily activities and reminding your loved one of appointments and medications? You also notice that you are not as active as you had been. You are taking on more household and financial responsibilities, are employed, and have your own health concerns. It’s getting to be overwhelming. How you are going to manage all of your responsibilities and still keep your health?
First thing, recognize that you are not a super person, and that’s okay.
While it is great to be a caregiver, do not lose sight of the fact that you must take care of yourself first. If not, how well will you be able to care for another?
Do not be afraid to ask for help.
Seek out resources for caregiver support!
Being a caregiver can be very rewarding. Learning to care for yourself while being a caregiver puts you in a position to be the best that you can be while providing supportive care to a loved one.
“You really can change the world if you care enough.”
– Marian Wright Edelman
(This excerpt is taken from Doni Smith’s all seminar entitled Caring For The Care Givers.) I encourage you to click here to register for Doni Smith’s live, in person Caring For The Care Givers seminar on Thursday, September 29,, 2022 from 9 AM to 12 noon Eastern Standard Time at the Comfort Suites in Manheim, PA. This event will also be available through live streaming.