Find the Right Balance in Your Caregiving Life!
Dear Caregivers,
Happy Spring! The new season’s beginning is marked by an astronomical event known as the Vernal Equinox, which took place last Sunday. The Equinox occurs at the point in the earth’s orbit around the Sun where there is 12 hours of sunlight and 12 hours of darkness — a perfect balance between night and day.
The coming of the new season is an important reminder that as a caregiver, you need to strive to find that same “perfect balance” in your life. You are juggling a lot — your loved one, perhaps a job, perhaps others in your family, and yourself. The key to making this work is to make sure to find time to address the needs of everyone, including you. Here are some tips for finding a balance in your life:
Know what to expect:
Your loved one will be undergoing a lot of changes in their life going forward, and learning more about how Alzheimer’s disease typically progresses will help you prepare for any changes that will be coming your way that could potentially knock you off balance. While every person has a unique path through the illness, and each person progresses at a different speed, there are some common symptoms that you should know about. Click here to read more about what to expect in the various stages of the disease.
Understand your role:
Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s can be a deeply rewarding experience, but it also can be extremely frustrating at times. The key to keeping your balance during this time is understanding that your role in this effort is to be a partner, not a judge, and you need to help your loved one also stay balanced as they cope with this disease. Here are ten important lessons to live by in your caregiving efforts: Click here to see “The 10 Commandments of Caregiving.”
Take your oxygen first:
Just as the airlines instruct you that, in case of an emergency, you should put your oxygen mask on, first, before putting it on your child, you need to make sure you direct your caregiving energy to yourself as much as anyone during this process. Many Caregivers are thrust into their role suddenly, and their reaction is likely to be a wave of emotions, immediately followed by the question, “Now what do I do?” Planning ahead will help you keep you on balance, give you a wider range of care options, and provide an overall peace of mind for everyone. Click here to learn more about taking the next steps as a Caregiver. And remember, you are not alone: Your NAN Navigator will work with you to ensure you have the support you need!
Best,
Rosemary D Laird, MD, MHSA
Founder and Chief Medical Officer
"You have two hands. One to help yourself, and one to help others.”
— Audrey Hepburn
