We aren’t going to sugarcoat things; becoming a caregiver is a tough job. Not only is it often thankless, but it often ends in heartbreak, no matter how hard you may try. Despite these downsides, caregiving can also be extremely rewarding, especially if you choose to care for a family member who otherwise may have spent their last years alone or in a facility.
No matter where you are in your caregiving journey, there are so many joyful moments that you can look forward to, and we are here to tell you more, so keep reading.
How to Find the Joy in Caregiving
There are many different ways to find joy in caregiving and they may look different for different people. Below, we go through some of the basic ways to keep your spirits up as a full or part-time caregiver.
1. Celebrate Small Wins
Most individuals need a caregiver in their final years of life, and although there likely won’t be any large wins, there will definitely be some small ones. Regardless of how small, whenever you have a win, celebrate it because you’ve earned it.
Here are some examples of some small wins:
- Your patient is happier than they were the previous week.
- You’ve found a new product that will make your job easier.
- Your patient feels like leaving their room or home, if even for a few moments.
- A peaceful night’s sleep after a long day of caregiving.
- Your patient remembered that you were arriving today and was waiting for you at the door.
Any and all of these are a reason to celebrate, whether that is with a cheer, clap, or even a piece of chocolate.
2. Plan Events With Your Patient
Many people think that caregiving means they need to keep their patient home 24/7, and while that might be true for bed-bound patients who are attached to machines, any other patient can likely still enjoy some time outdoors from time to time—maybe even an event.
If you don’t have access to a wheelchair or walker and need one, inquire with your patient’s doctor. Then, look around the community for events they may enjoy. It doesn’t have to be something complicated or expensive and can be a simple as a walk to the local gardens, or maybe to see Christmas lights during the holiday season.
Of course, if you have the capabilities to do more, don’t be afraid to go a bit bigger—take your patient to the movies, a local school play, or maybe even an event at the local community center.
3. Stay Positive
Sadly, you will have bad days during your journey as a caregiver but remember that these are just bad days and that you will have a chance to start over tomorrow.
If you find yourself struggling to stay positive or maintain motivation, don’t be afraid to seek help for yourself; no one expects you to do everything on your own.
4. As Things Get Harder, Ask For More Help
When you first start out caregiving, your parent or loved one might still be able to move about on their own but might need extra help with things like doctors’ appointments or grocery shopping. But as their condition progresses, they may need help with any and all of their simple daily tasks, like eating, using the bathroom, and bathing.
As a caregiver, no one expects you to do it all, nor do they expect you to stop your entire life for your family member. When things get worse and you need a break, ask for help. There are many services that can come in as little as once a week to give you a day off and to lighten your load—that’s what they are there for.
Additionally, there are many services available for seniors who are unable to care for themselves. Even with you as their caregiver, many seniors qualify for social services like Meals on Wheels, or transportation to and from doctor’s appointments. Be sure to look into what is available in your area and use your resources when you can!
Related: Resources for Caring for Aging Parents
5. Find Fun Indoor Activities
While it can be fun to plan outings, in some climates, it just isn’t possible all year long. But this doesn’t mean your family member should have to sit in front of the TV all evening either. Search for activities they can do, such as chair yoga, art projects, or even join a book club, to keep their mind and body engaged.
As you do these things with your patient, you will find that you are having a good time too! It’s not every day that one gets to learn chair yoga.
6. Join Online Communities
As a caregiver, you are never alone, even when you may feel like you are. Try to join some online communities on whatever social platform you use, whether it is Facebook, Reddit, or a Caregiving Blog. These social circles can help keep you positive and help you feel seen when the rest of your life may be devoted to the care of someone else.
Just remember HIPAA laws when you post on these platforms. While it is okay to speak about situations with other caregivers in general terms, your patient deserves privacy, so leave their name and any defining details out of the story. Additionally, never post pictures without their permission.
Related: How to Use Facebook
Overall, being a cheerful and motivated caregiver is extremely difficult. After all, it’s a thankless and often difficult job. But when you find yourself falling short, return to the list and work to find the joy on even the darkest days.
And if a day comes when you find you can no longer fulfill your role as a caregiver, that’s okay too—your physical and mental health matters. There are other options, and you can feel free to take a break or look for a facility for your parents or loved one, as long as they get the help and care they need, it doesn’t have to be you shouldering the burden alone.
You May Also Enjoy: 7 Books to Help You Through Your Caregiving Journey
Leave a comment