There is no denying it…caregiving is downright hard. It is the kind of hard that you don’t really know until you are in the thick of it. Caregiving can feel isolating despite the fact you are at appointments or on the phone and with your loved one around the clock. The endless to-do lists, full calendars and heightened attention to the needs of the loved one leaves you drained. This can be a fulfilling role but also often overlooked because life is moving at a fast pace. Caregivers often get lost in the shuffle.
Caregivers, you are not alone.
According to McKnight Senior Living, more than 1 in 4 Americans ages 50 and over are caregivers and looking after at least one family member or friend who has a health problem or disability. These caregivers are considered part of the “Sandwich Generation,” individuals who are simultaneously caring for both aging parents and their own children. They are navigating the roller coaster of life events with the highest highs and the lowest lows. The joy of graduations, weddings, grandchildren, balancing a career and planning their own retirement is met with hard decisions such as what is going to happen to mom? What does a diagnosis mean for dad? How do we help our parents downsize? Should we consider moving them into retirement living?
As the instruction goes before an airplane flight: you must put on your oxygen mask before assisting others. The lesson: You have to take care of yourself to take care of others. While it is easier said than done, caregivers, you can’t do it all. It’s okay to take a deep breath and a moment of self-care for yourself as well. Think about it as care for the caregiver. For example, ensure you are getting quality sleep, eating balanced and nutritious meals and staying connected to your own friends and hobbies.
Ready for that hug? Try seeking solace from other caregivers. A network of caregivers allows for the sharing of experiences, encouragement when things are feeling heavy, and learning from each other. No matter the diagnosis that a caregiver is helping to support, there are common themes and the feeling of being in the trenches together.
Country Meadows Retirement Communities in Allentown and Dementia Friendly Lehigh Valley are here to lean on. There are many avenues to connect with other caregivers through the resources and programming offered locally. At Country Meadows, we bring caregivers together monthly to provide a boost of support, connect others in similar situations and provide resources like our free guides. In support of all caregivers, especially on National Caregiver Day (Friday, Feb. 21), our sessions start this month to address topics include becoming a Dementia Friend, ways to enhance visits with loved ones experiencing memory loss and tips for those in the Sandwich Generation. Learn more by visiting countrymeadows.com or emailing Allentown@countrymeadows.com.