What’s the last thing on your caregiver to-do list?
Author: Anne Bogardus, (Founder and former caregiver)
You are stronger than you think!
If you’re anything like me, it’s anything that has to do with taking care of yourself. That’s not always an easy thing to prioritize since the needs of an elderly parent can change from one minute to the next, and in some cases, they rely on their caregiving child for virtually all their needs. It’s hard to see someone you love so vulnerable and not put them first.
Caregivers of elderly parents who are verbally abusive, as often happens when dementia robs them of pretty much all social inhibitions are most in need of a break from what can be an almost constant assault on their self-esteem and self-confidence. As Angel Chernoff writes on www.marcandangel.com,
“. . . try not to take things other people say about you too personally. What they think and say is a reflection of them, not you. Ultimately, you can’t change how people treat you or what they say about you. All you can do is change how you react and who you choose to be around.”
This is #13 on a list of 16 Things Emotionally Strong People Don’t Do. As caregivers, I think we don’t often give ourselves enough credit for the amount of strength we have within us that enables us to handle all the demands and unexpected challenges we face every day. Give yourself a pat on the back—you’re surviving, maybe even thriving, in your caregiving role. Take a look at this article and see where else your strength is demonstrated, how you may be holding yourself back in some areas, and steps you can take to grow even stronger.