Thinking about the end of your caregiver journey isn’t something you like to think about, but it is an inevitability you cannot ignore. By pretending it won’t happen or overlooking it, you can set yourself up for greater challenges and difficulties when that time comes, especially if it is sudden.
Preparing for the end of your experience as a family caregiver is not just about end-of-life wishes and final arrangements. Instead, it is about looking at your life and knowing what it will be when you are no longer a caregiver. It is important to always keep this concept in mind not just so you can prepare yourself, but also so you have something to look forward to rather than only being afraid and stressed.
Some things to consider when thinking about what your life will be like after caregiving and how to prepare can include:
-What will your relationship with your partner be like? Consider your relationship and how it has been affected by your caregiving. Take strides to ensure you stay close to your partner and that you can move forward together when the time comes. This means including them in your support network, making quality time together a priority, and making plans for the future with them.
-What will your friendships be like? Think about your friendships and the value of them in your life. Consider how they have changed by your caregiving efforts. Some may have fallen away because of their lack of support while others may not be as close because you haven’t made them a priority. On the other hand, you may have found some friendships get even closer as they step up to be there for you. Make sure these friendships are nurtured so they can continue to enrich your life after your caregiving experience.
What will your career be like? Many caregivers take time off from work or take a step back from pursuing promotions and advancement when they are caring for their senior. If this has happened to you, think about what you might like to do in the future. Consider if getting back on track toward those advancements is a priority or if you might try something else.
What will it be like to be just you? It can be easy to feel as though you’ve lost yourself in your care efforts. Make it a priority to redefine who you are as an individual and be prepared to find meaning, fulfillment, and excitement in your daily life after your journey comes to an end.
Starting senior care for your aging parent isn’t about you not wanting to be their family caregiver or trying to get out of the responsibilities of caring for your loved one. Reaching out for this help means enhancing their quality of life, supporting mental and emotional health, and encouraging them to maintain as much independence as possible as they age in place.
This not only ensures they are getting the care they need on a regular basis, but it also supports a stronger parent-child relationship by giving you more opportunity to focus on quality time together rather than always having to focus on your care efforts.
If you or an aging loved one is considering hiring Homecare in Hillcrest, CA, or the surrounding area, please contact the caring staff at Love 2 Live Care. Call Today 1-619-291-4663