I heard this statement from one of our long time employees and remembered my recent journey as a caregiver daughter. I thought, every family caring for an aging family member is an “Eldercare” family because we are all faced with challenges not expected with the expansive decisions from medical to housing. The other issue that warrants some intervention is that most of us have other family members that have different views on what should and shouldn’t be done for mom or dad and, without a third party who is objective, it is hard to come to a solution.
We also don’t always share the care equally which might place a burden on one family member either by default or choice.
Everyone starting on the “Eldercare” path would benefit from a consultation with a Professional Care Manager but most of us think we know everything our parents need and it seems that it’s not until there is a conflict or a crisis without a solution that we call in the experts – I think it is just human nature and don’t fault any of us.
However, as supportive of a family you think you have, being an Eldercare Family is the good news – I know my good caregiving journey was positive because of “expert” peers in the office. Getting advice, having a sounding board and supporting my siblings came from my fellow team members – I am glad I had a place to guide me because I was blinded by my own history and needed the wisdom of objectivity.
Barbara Cullinane says
June 5, 2013 at 5:31 amDear Linda,
I always enjoy your newsletter and find so much of value in it. Congratulations on your leadership in caregiving.
A question. What is Willow Bridge?
A thought. I am also a firm believer in the “attitude of gratitude” and carry the practice a bit further. Some years ago a friend gave me a beautiful lined journal and Sarah Ban Breathnach’s Simple Abundance: A Daybook of Comfort and Joy. Breathnach has wonderful daily meditations on living a more authentic life, through expanding our awareness and practices in gratitude, order, beauty and three other values I can’t think of just now.
She suggested that we keep a gratitude journal, writing down a minimum of three things each day for which we are grateful. I am on my 6th journal now, and this practice before I go to bed (along with reading some spiritual meditation passages) is a wonderful way to unwind and set my mind on a positive direction before sleep. As you mention, having this awareness throughout the day brings to our consciousness the many things we do have for which to be grateful and tilts our attitudes more readily to the “half full.” Best wishes, Barbara