Medium family and friends, welcome to December! We are closing in on another year, and much has been talked about to support you on your caregiving journey. Well, the question is…How Proactive Have You Been This Year?
Caregiving Is Not A Sprint But A Marathon
We know that the caregiving journey is not a sprint but a marathon. We also understand that reaching the finish line (however that looks) must include prioritizing self-care, the most important lesson. I hope you took to heart that staying mentally, emotionally, physically, and socially healthy is essential. Caregiving can interrupt every aspect of life. Seeing a loved one through the lens of their dependence underscores the importance of personal health maintenance.
Caregiving Involves Both Rewards And Challenges
Being a caregiver involves both rewards and challenges. It requires commitment, concern, strength, and a love for others, especially when they are most vulnerable, often through no fault of their own. After the initial shock, reality, and emotions settle, the impact on a caregiver can become harmful if not managed proactively. While our loved ones’ needs are always a priority, effectively managing their care demands a proactive plan, an understanding of what is needed, and preparedness for the unexpected. What works on Tuesday might not work on Thursday, and adapting to these changes is a caregiver’s responsibility.
Proactiveness Over Reactiveness
Before caregiving, most of us never considered how important being proactive would be. Once we experienced caring for someone, our world turned upside down because we reacted instead of acting. Life and liberty were in the power of reactiveness. Caregiving changes you. Often, the future you once imagined takes a back seat to the care of a loved one. Life becomes about being present, making good decisions, managing care, and, when the journey ends, having no regrets, even when there were times things were out of control. My mother used to say, “Accept what God allows.” Did I have a choice? In some fights as a caregiver, we will not win. It meant stepping into compassion mode, which is proactive. The experience of caregiving is demanding, but it becomes easier with a proactive mindset that reduces the chance of chasing your tail. As a caregiver, your primary role is to always remain present in every situation. What will be, will be! Being proactive will position you to have no regrets about what ‘could’ or ‘should’ have been.
As Your Proactive Caregiver Advocate, I hope you noticed how often I used the word “proactive.” This word suggests preparation for serving others. Within the word lies purpose, empathy, and no regrets. It reminds us to walk in our loved ones’ shoes. It challenges us to embrace the reality of life and death. It makes us dig deep to find the strength we did not know we had, and prepares us to navigate complex decisions and to realize we are pilgrims passing through. We will all need care at some point in our lives. Be Safe! Be Well!
Dr. Cynthia J. Hickman is a retired registered nurse and case manager who serves as the CEO of Your Proactive Caregiver Advocate. She’s excited to share her latest book, The Essential Caregiver Training Course for Corporations and Community. Her previous works, From the Lens of Daughter, Nurse, and Caregiver: A Journey of Duty and Honor, and The Black Book of Important Information for Caregivers, reflect her experiences and insights gained during her heartfelt caregiving journey.