| An area of concern that I get asked about the | | | | regaincontrol of our lives. |
| most isfinding someone to give the caregiver a | | | | Creating a Freedom Plan |
| break. | | | | 1) Get special instruction to provide thecare |
| Most adult children fall into caregiving as a resultof | | | | needed. Ask your doctor for a Medicare |
| an incident that placed their elder in a crisis | | | | Occupational Therapist or a Nurse to instructyou |
| situation. After the dust settles and reality sets in | | | | on incontinence care,bathing, a Physical |
| often we realize that our lives have changed and | | | | Therapist to teach you how to transfer |
| this change is often not welcomed. | | | | yourparent to the toilet, in/out of the car, set up |
| We find ourselves unprepared for caring for our | | | | anexercise routine,etc. |
| parentespecially when that care is for issues such | | | | 2) Make a list of all the things that will give you a |
| as dementia, incontinence or immobility. | | | | break.ex: a cooked meal twice a weeka sitter |
| A period of time goes by and then we begin to | | | | 9:00am to noon Tuesday and Thursdayplay cards |
| feeltotally overwhelmed. Most of this feeling can | | | | with mom every Wednesday afternoon |
| be aresult of trying to be ALL to our parent. We | | | | 3) Join a support team even when you think |
| find that our life, our family, and our routine has | | | | youdo not need it. |
| gone by the wayside. | | | | 4) Hire a baby sitter to sit with your parent so |
| Many caregivers try to provide care | | | | youcan have a night out with spouse or family |
| single-handedlywhile neglecting their own needs. It | | | | night. |
| is commonamoung caregivers to think that their | | | | 5) Plan a Vacation by swapping homes with a |
| life has to comesecond to the needs of their | | | | sibling. |
| parent. Martyrdom iscommon. | | | | 6) Hire respite care regularly for you and your |
| This thinking often leads to frustration, anger and | | | | family. |
| guilt. We forget that we have a right to live and | | | | 7) Start all this as soon as possible so your |
| that balance is necessary in everyone's life. | | | | parentgets use to different people providing the |
| There are solutions but they require risk. | | | | care. |
| Manycaregivers often fear asking for help | | | | Keep your needs list current. |
| because theyfear rejection. Admitting that they | | | | ANYTIME ANYONE asks if you need anythinggo |
| cannot handle all the caregiving alone is often | | | | right to this list and ask them to choose what |
| terrifying. Most wonder why others will not offer | | | | ever they feel they can do. |
| to help so they do not have to ask. | | | | You will be amazed how often people will sign |
| Picking up the reins is what will help us | | | | upto help when you are clear on your needs. |