Do You Believe In Magic?
Dear Caregivers,
I’m not a huge sports fan, but I have to say that even I got caught up in the spell of Magic basketball this spring. They were a Cinderella team, working their way surprisingly into the National Basketball Association playoffs, and then forcing the much-favored Pistons into a final 7th game, which they sadly lost.
Still, in my mind the Magic players are all winners. Like any caregiver of a loved one suffering from Alzheimer’s, these professionals know that the most important thing is to show up, every day, and do what you can. You are going to have good days and bad days, and sometimes the ball just isn’t going to bounce your way.
In caregiving, unlike basketball, there is no trophy—just the deep satisfaction that you’ve done what you could to help your loved one manage this sometimes difficult, sometimes deeply rewarding, phase of their life. It’s the knowledge that you are there, day after day, that makes you a winner.
Here are some more resources on caregiver resilience:
Building your Caregiving Mental Health Toolkit:
As a caregiver, you need a host of tools to help you cope and maintain your mental health. Here’s your toolkit.
Caregiver Burnout: How to Cope:
Caregiving for someone suffering from Alzheimer’s disease is one of the most challenging jobs in the world, and it comes with a risk of what is known as “Caregiver Burnout.” With caregiver burnout, you are in a state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion that may also be coupled with a change in your attitude towards your caregiving role, from one of positive, caring, and rewarding to one of feeling negative, unconcerned, and resentful. Here's how to cope.
Finding the Joy as a Family Caregiver:
The challenge that family caregivers face is to learn acceptance, to live in the present moment, and to let go of things you cannot control. This is a challenge to be sure, but if there can be any joy in caregiving, this is where it is.
Best,
Rosemary D Laird, MD, MHSA
Founder and Chief Medical Officer
“I enjoy the pressure of showing up every single day, being focused, putting forth my best effort, getting the best out of my teammates, and enjoying the journey."
— Becky Sauerbrunn
