WELLNESS: WHAT IS IT AND WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO CAREGIVERS?

What is Caregiver Wellness?

Although it will look different for each person, overall it is when a person reaches a healthy balance in their lives. I'm thankful I realized early on wellness is not just about diet and exercise, although they play a very important role in the equation, but it also includes the financial, spiritual, social, mental, career and emotional states of mind that can also impact a your health. Actually, there are more dimensions than the ones listed here, but I found these are the core issues that most caregivers including myself have had to deal with on a regular basis.

Who are Caregivers and what do we do?

Everybody throws the big “C” word around - you hear about it on TV and in newspapers, and Webster's Dictionary has many definitions of the term “caregiver”. But today, I'll give you my definition

People who are care providers can come in many different forms, such as a nanny, au pair or governess. But, I don’t feel any of these are as stressful as caring for an elderly person with dementia or a family member who is brain impaired. It requires a special individual who has learned a variety of coping skills to deal with the many emotional, physical and financial responsibilities of a being a home-care provider. Because you are the first line of defense for your family member

What are the 7 Dimensions of Wellness?

Actually, there are more dimensions than the ones listed here, but I found these are the core issues that I, along with other caregivers I've met, had to deal with problems in these areas.

For example, as a caretaker whether you are religious or not, I’m sure you have had “one of those days” The ones where everything that can go wrong does and it seems like you are at your wits end (- if not stay tuned). You might find comfort in some type of meditation or prayer, or seek out some type of spiritual counseling, I’ve often heard it said that – The challenges we face as care-providers are expressed in words from the Serenity Prayer:

"…Grant me the serenity to

Accept the things I cannot change,

Courage to change the things I can,

And the wisdom to know the difference."

Frankly speaking, having my faith to rely on brought me thru some really difficult days and gave me the strength to endure.

Another case in point many caregivers have to grapple with is the financial aspects of caregiving. As a fulltime homecare provider you may be faced with either quitting your job, as I had to do, or you may already be retired. Also, handling your loved one’s business affairs may be the most challenging part of care, and quite often we end up having to bear out of pocket expense of caring for a loved one and in the long run can become problem. Either way, caring for a loved one can be a major financial burden

Why Wellness For Caregivers Is A Requirement?

A total wellness program for the caregiver, in my opinion, is not a choice but a requirement as we move through our individual journeys. Stress is the major issue for caregivers and learning how to handle it can prevent a number of health issues associated with burnout.

So, visit my site often and take a minute and check to out some quick tips, tools and resources that might help you to keep yourself ahead of the game.

And if you have found ways to make life easier for you and your family member, please feel free to send me an email with your thoughts to share with others, and I’ll be adding tips, ideas and information that helped me get thru some of the issues, I had to deal with as a family caregiver for over 10 years.

Be Well - Stay Well -Because Caregivers Need Care Too!!

Coach Gloria

Gloria J. Brown -

Owner: GJ Brown & Associates

Founder/Coach-Consultant

Blog: Glo’s Caregiver Wellness Connection

Email: gbrown1gjba@gmail.com

Website: coachglozcaregiverwellness.com