Whenever you feel weak, remember what made you strong. These feelings of weakness, depression, and helplessness overpowered me from time to time, and it happens too often for caregivers. Don’t be too hard on yourself. Caregiving is a difficult road to travel. There is no substitute for experience, but as you know, there are few opportunities to attend a class on caregiving. Caregiver Stress: In my experience, Stress is the number 1 trigger for depression and helplessness. Emotional flatlining occurred after Dad fractured his hip. Guilt crept in because I thought it was my fault. I moved the chair he usually leaned on. He entered the den, stepped down, and, holding his popcorn bowl, reached for the chair with his other hand. Caring for both parents became a challenge. Mom used a walker, and I needed to get to the hospital. Mom had no stamina to follow me as I performed my additional responsibilities. Reconciliation of this dilemma was twofold. First, I received guidance from the social services at the rehab center, and second, I was able to hire someone to care for Mom regularly, at least four hours a day. Help from an agency was an out-of-pocket expense, but it relieved me of some stress. I became their advocate. Wanting the best outcome for both parents was always a priority, but making the right decisions can be challenging. I also prioritized open communication with their doctors, caregivers, friends, and family. I listened intently to the director of human resources, who had reached out to me and asked what I needed. They also suggested what needed to be done to make the house safer for my parents. I had to research, make decisions, and keep asking questions. Eventually, my emotional health improved when I realized I was doing a good job and gaining strength of character. I began to journal, and humor became my friend. My husband’s wit and humor sustained me. We have a fellow caregiver who can ease the tension with humor. We sometimes lose our sense of humor as caregiving takes its emotional toll. Planning for the future and preparing for the unexpected: I will address the need for advanced care planning, including discussions about my parent’s wishes, financial and legal considerations, and the importance of a support network. As friends and family came to visit, I sought advice from my mother’s best friend’s son. He could keep the house after his parents passed, explained the cost and estate planning he experienced, and passed along some advice, which started me on a path in the right direction for my parents’ immediate financial and legal needs. I followed his advice and found an elder law attorney through the attorney to whom he referred me to start the process. Balancing Caregiving Responsibilities with Personal Life: As a long-distance caregiver, I face the challenges of balancing caregiving duties with my personal life and self-care. I left my house, husband, and dogs on the back burner while caring for my parents. I could fly back and forth at least twice a month with some help from my siblings, who watched Mom and Dad while I sought respite for a few days. I lived in another state and was 720 miles away from home, caring for my parents. Going home for a hug increased my emotional well-being, and when I walked in the door, our pups enthusiastically greeted me. Navigating Emotional Challenges and Finding Support: The emotional toll of caregiving and the importance of seeking support from friends, family, support groups, or mental health professionals became more of a focus in my effort to maintain a self-care routine. Some tips I learned to manage my feelings of guilt, grief, and loss would come after my caregiving journey. Self-reflection and time alone allowed me to reach a calm within each moment of chaos. Life after caregiving is a new chapter I am now experiencing. Contact us in our chat room if you feel emotionally drained, confused, or need a friend on this journey. We are caregivers who have experienced every aspect of caregiving and are ready to listen, share, laugh, and experience a friendship of shared experiences. The emotional toll of caregiving can be overwhelming, but don’t worry; laughter is the best medicine! Whenever I felt stressed, I would watch a funny movie or call a friend who always had a joke ready. It’s essential to find moments of joy and humor amidst the chaos of caregiving. So, if you’re feeling down, remember to keep your sense of humor close by and reach out to us for some friendly support and a good laugh! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chatforcardgivers.substack.com/subscribe
