We are closing another year, and what a year it has been! I acknowledge that the caregiving journey is not for the faint of heart. I further recognize that everyone can’t do it! But for those who can’t do it, they can certainly play a pivotal role in serving others — a lesson from― Martin Luther King Jr.
“You don’t have to have a college degree to serve. You don’t have to make your subject and verb agree to serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love.”
Caregiving will always be a part of our society. Informal caregiving is all about love! No pay! Some sleep! Limited resources! Lonely days and nights! Some caregivers will face complex care needs working with non-verbal, blind, dementia, Alzheimer’s, and bedridden loved ones who require the physical strength of a caregiver. Modern medical advances have enabled older adults to live longer with chronic conditions, often requiring help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. This need also requires family caregivers to participate in their loved ones’ care.
I hope readers have gained insight into how to minimize caregiver burden from this year’s articles. Over the past year, I have emphasized the importance of self-care. Caregivers’ physical, psychological, financial, and mental health must be the priority. Caregivers must never neglect their own health! Taking care of ourselves is vital.
Importance of A Caregiver #1
What would we do without family caregivers? Someone asked, “Is it your children’s responsibility to care for aging parents?” Some say yes, some say no. What say ye?
Caregivers must address unnecessary hospitalizations and treatments, including unnecessary medications, and make the difficult decision about when comfort care is best. At some point, our loved ones will face advanced illness, which occurs when one or more conditions become grave enough that overall health declines, curative treatment must be stopped, and quality of life (QoL) becomes the focus of care.
The Importance of A Caregiver #2
A caregiver must be alert and detail-oriented. With our loved ones, illnesses can change suddenly and without warning. Noticing changes and seeking appropriate medical attention immediately is the caregiver’s responsibility. Moreover, observing minor changes (behavior, appetite, mental status) could make a difference in outcomes.
In the New Year, let’s make caregivers even safer. If you are like me, you have had a few close calls during caregiving. It happens. No shame here! Think about ways to make your loved ones’ environment safer. Should you change living areas to reduce fall risks? Should you practice transfer techniques (bed to wheelchair, toilet to shower chair)? Have you prepared an emergency preparedness kit (basic first-aid supplies, medications, snacks, essential phone numbers, batteries)?
As Your Proactive Caregiver Advocate, I am reminding you that the New Year will bring both familiar and unexpected encounters as you care for your loved one. Most family members don’t plan to become caregivers. The caregiving journey doesn’t have to be traveled alone. I am confident you are better prepared and more proactive about keeping your loved ones safe and supported. I am confident you will take care of yourself during your caregiving journey. Be Safe! Be Well! Happy New Year!
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.