If you are caring for a sick or elderly person, you are not alone. Millions of other people are near you. They know how hard it can be and want to share their wisdom.
When NPR asked caregivers to share their stories, nearly 600 responded with practical advice, heartbreaking stories and a wealth of hard-won knowledge. (Share your story Here.)
As one of them said: “Darling, whatever doesn't kill me, I'm strong enough now. Thank you”.
There are seasons in nursing—long periods when everything is relatively stable, and phases of chaos when everything happens at once. These suggestions will help you get through crises and calm times.
Read the following chapters to learn about the camaraderie and wise words of people who know what you are going through.
Medical labyrinth: how to help your person get through it
One of the first challenges adult caregivers face is learning the ropes of the crazy US healthcare system. You'll likely become both a patient advocate and a medical coordinator, two jobs that require a steep learning curve. Here's what other caregivers learned.
New Normal: This is not the life I planned. How should I tune in?
Childcare is now your new normal. But full acceptance and adaptation to this changed reality may take some time. It often comes in waves – periods of calm are interrupted by wild turmoil. Here are tips to get through these times.
Help! How to Ask (and Accept) Support
Tip #1 from other caregivers: Seek help, whether from a support group, a friend, other family, a therapist, your church, or all of the above. Caregiving is too difficult and too isolating to do on your own. As one caregiver said, most people start work as if it were a sprint and only gradually realize that they are in a marathon. Use the advice of these caregivers to get the help you need.
Self-Care: It's Important and It's Not What You Think
It's not spa days and yoga classes. True self-care means learning to protect your mental and physical health, despite the enormous demands on your time. This often starts with setting boundaries and forgiving yourself. Find out what has worked for other caregivers.
Your New Relationship: How to Handle the Changing Dynamics
You are no longer just a partner, spouse, parent or child. You are now also the caregiver, and this changes your relationship with your loved one in ways that are difficult to detect and difficult to adjust to. These caregivers explain how they coped with these changes.
Explore additional resources
Taking on the role of caring for a family can be an overwhelming task. Luckily, there are organizations and resources that will lend you a helping hand. Here are some tips and where to start.
