Giving Thanks for Being a Caregiver

Giving Thanks

Giving Thanks for Being a Caregiver

The role of a caregiver can be incredibly stressful and coping with the emotional drain is a difficult challenge. There is the additional emotion of anger to cope with when the things do not go well or the feelings of resentment towards other siblings for not sharing the responsibility or even towards the parent as being the cause for all the emotional drain on you. Balancing your work, home, and private life along with fulfilling the role of a caregiver can be a juggling act that few can manage well. Just as you may find the balance, the needs of your elderly parent change and you are drawn back into another stressful situation. (“Family Caregiver – Senior Helpers – Caring for Your Elderly”)

To cope with the stressful situations, you may have to manage your time better to find some time for you and your family. (“Playing Caregiver – 5 Ways to Spread Positive Vibes!”) These are not easy situations, and one needs great self-control and maturity to manage the stress involved. (“Family Caregiver – Senior Helpers – Caring for Your Elderly”)

However, there is one emotion that can be said to compensate for the emotional drain that a caregiver experiences and that is thankfulness. You may be in the middle of a demanding situation and thankfulness is not usually an emotion in such times. (“Family Caregiver – Senior Helpers – Caring for Your Elderly”)

Yet if you can be thankful for the opportunity to be the primary care giver to your parent, this positive emotion works wonders for your spirit. It helps to offset the negative emotions of anger and resentment. (“Family Caregiver – Senior Helpers – Caring for Your Elderly”)

There are several things that one can be thankful for:

  • You can repay your parents to a small extent for the sacrifices they made. All the effort, time, and money that they invested in you to raise you as a good human being, is a debt that can never be repaid. (“Family Caregiver – Senior Helpers – Caring For Your Elderly”) But you have the occasion to return some of it in the form of caring for them in their old age. A small way to say, ‘Thank you for being there for me, now I am there for you.’
  • If you were not staying close to your parents at the time of their need, you would have been anxious and worried about their well-being. Since you are with them, you have first-hand knowledge of their health conditions and anticipate any other needs that may arise. (“Family Caregiver – Senior Helpers – Caring for Your Elderly”)
  • With the elderly, there is something always coming up causing a setback to their spirits. They need someone to give them reassurance and say that everything is all right. You have that occasion, and they depend on you for moral support. (“Family Caregiver – Senior Helpers – Caring for Your Elderly”)
  • You, as the caregiver are especially important to your aged parents. They need you. “You have the good fortune to be at their side during their times of crisis.” (“Family Caregiver – Senior Helpers – Caring for Your Elderly”)
  • Celebrate the times spent with each other and enjoy the joy and laughter that you can share with your parent. These are the pleasant memories that will remain with you forever. (“Family Caregiver – Senior Helpers – Caring for Your Elderly”)

Being with a loved one through tough times and offering support, brings a sense of satisfaction to the caregiver. The bond of love between you and your parent will deepen and stay with you for the rest of your life. You may be able to look back at these pleasant memories and be thankful for the opportunity to make the final months of their life peaceful and happy. (“Family Caregiver – Senior Helpers – Caring for Your Elderly”)

Best Wishes, Coyalita

Behavioral Health Rehabilitative Specialist

See Tomorrow: “Avoiding Guilt Pangs in The Elderly”

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