Celebrate Family Caregivers

A century ago, people were much less mobile than they are now. Most children spent their entire lives in the same community as their parents—and oftentimes three generations lived side by side in the same house.

The Evolution of Caregiving
Caregiving in these circumstances was simpler and more straightforward than now. Caring for an aging parent was a responsibility that adult children naturally assumed with the passage of time, and it was one that could be divided among neighboring siblings. And for better or worse, caregivers in those times didn’t confront the often-knotty financial and medical questions that occupy today’s caregivers. 

By contrast, today’s caregivers make a conscious choice to reunite with their loved one and provide care, a decision that can involve significant emotional, physical, and financial trade-offs. In addition, caregivers today have to become experts at a score of topics, from Medicare Part D to durable powers of attorney to the various approaches to treating hypertension.

Making and Invaluable Difference
All too often, today’s caregivers downplay their real accomplishments and contributions, focusing instead on what they imagine to be their shortcomings. But if you’re a caregiver, consider this: you have enriched the life of your loved one, providing the support and the solace that helps give their life meaning and dignity. You have intervened many times on their behalf—with physicians, accountants, and government officials—to ensure they receive the care and benefits that they are due. And most of all, you have given them the gift of your time and your love. No one can do better than that. 

That’s why if you’re a caregiver, you should give yourself a well-deserved pat on the back and doing something nice for yourself. Don’t stand on ceremony: 

• Organize a dinner for friends and family
• Indulge yourself for a few hours in a day spa and get a massage
• Take advantage of Sunrise’s short-term-stay program and give yourself a few days on your own 
• Do something out of the ordinary like taking a balloon ride or rafting trip
• Take in a ball game, concert, or play.

Whatever you do, make it special and treat yourself well. Being a good caregiver means taking good care of yourself!