Ending the lonely road in Caregiving

Hopefully you all survived the holiday season and enjoyed some special moments with family and friends. I took a big step back myself; tried to remain in the moment, enjoying the small stuff, getting some rest and getting recharged for a new year ahead!

It takes A LOT for busy people like yourselves to come to terms, not only with the role of CAREGIVER (caring/supporting for another), but the fact that you need and deserve help, that there are no awards for doing this alone, and that this is your new “normal”. Many of you start your road to caregiving without a community into which you can connect, ask for advice and share support. You may never know what resources are available that could be well suited to you and your loved one OR what strategy has worked for another person struggling with similar caregiving challenges…that just might work for you too. Naming this new role empowers caregivers to more effectively search, find and use resources that can help.

So, say it loud…and say it proud… I AM A CAREGIVER!!

After accepting that you ARE a Caregiver and that your aging parent/ loved one is now dependent on YOU (instead of the other way around!), where do you turn for help? It all seems so overwhelming! Reality is, there is SO MUCH information out there. But your situation is YOURS- it’s specific, personal, complex and very unique to you and your family. For these reasons many of you struggle to find exactly what you need. Sibling support is either limited or non-existent, friends just don’t relate, or aren’t going through something similar (YET!), co-workers are dealing with their own issues, totally unrelated to yours. Your employer may not be receptive to your struggles, your spouse does what he can, your kids are keeping you busy…

Sound familiar?

This is EXACTLY why I created all of the services at Health at Home, but especially our ICARE Community. I wanted you to have a safe space to seek out mutual support from others going through something similar; to be surrounded by others who are feeling the same way you are. What better opportunity to get motivated, to feel empowered and educated and to share experiences. This community offers you a place to problem solve, to get connected, to gain confidence and courage. Let’s laugh…and maybe cry…while we reassure each other and come together in a community that cares!

We can all do hard things- we just don’t have to do it alone!

Karen

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