If I Could Turn Back Time
Every caregiver can use a little help or advice from time to time. The other day I was listening to some music and a song by Cher came on, and I know you’ve all heard it. It’s if it, “If I could turn back time”. That’s a classic, isn’t it? I love Cher and all of her music. But that one really got me thinking about if I could turn back time and do over some of the hardest things that I’ve done in my life, what kind of things would I change and what kind of advice would I have for myself? My caregiving experiences have been some of the hardest and most rewarding things I’ve ever done. To know what I know now at the start of my journey would’ve been a real gift.
5 Things I’d Tell My New Caregiver Self
1. Have the Conversations
The first piece of advice I would give myself as a new caregiver is to make sure that I was having the right conversations with my loved ones early on. You know the conversations I’m talking about. We think that we have time. That the hard conversations can wait until later.
But honestly, that couldn’t be further from the truth. Those who are best prepared and have had the tough conversations are going to have the best experiences as it relates to aging and caregiving. Talk to your loved ones about:
- Long Term Care
- Age in place or senior living community?
- Legal and financial documents
- Defining family members’ roles in a care situation
- End of life
2. Get Educated
There is a lot to learn when you start your journey as a caregiver. Arming yourself with some education will empower you to be the best caregiver possible for your loved one. Educate yourself about:
- Your loved one’s condition and needs
- Navigating the medical system
- Navigating Insurance: Medicare and/or Medicaid
- What to expect as a family caregiver
3. Get Help and Support
We all want to be self-sufficient. But you need to know when it’s time to seek help and support. Caregiving is a really tough job, and if you have the right skill set to go with the needs that are present, you’ll be in good shape. But if not, it’s not a shameful thing to reach out and seek support. Engage family members as much as possible. If you can’t find the help and support you need within the family, there might be neighbors or friends who would be willing to pitch in.
4. Utilize Community Resources
There are all kinds of services available right in your own backyard. Here are a few places to check for programs and resources:
- Your local Area Agency on Aging
- Local non-profits
- Local transit systems
- Meal delivery programs like Meals on Wheels
- Churches
- City and county government offices
5. Be Kind to Yourself
If I were talking to myself as a new caregiver, I would encourage myself to be kind to myself. It’s very easy to give in to the overwhelm, but instead show yourself some kindness:
- Give yourself grace when you fall short
- Be proud of yourself for stepping up
- Define boundaries and stick to them
- Prioritize self-care
- Put pride aside and ask for help
What would you tell yourself if you could go back in time?
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Author: Liz Craven
Liz Craven, along with her husband Wes, owns Pro-Ad Media, publisher of Sage Aging ElderCare Guide, serving the local community for over 28 years. Liz lives in Lakeland and is very active in the local community, specifically in the area of aging. Liz serves on a number of local boards and committees including the Lakeland Vision and Age Friendly Lakeland.
