A CAREGIVER - WHO ME?

SURPRISE - SURPRISE!

Over the years, I’ve found that caregivers come in all shapes, sizes, ages, talents and backgrounds. But, the one thing I've found very interesting in talking with members of support groups and other caregivers I've met, most of us didn't really –“REALLY” realize we were caregivers at the start. We were just doing what needed to be done at the time in order to get things under control and make the best of a traumatic and confusing situation.

My first thump on the head came when I realized I had no idea all the types of documents I would need and where to find them. Next, was being shifted from one department or agency to another and back again trying to get the information and it was then I realized I was in way over my head. I thought all I would have to do was to pull up my big girl panties and like supergirl, all the problems would be resolved in a flash and everything would be under control.

CAREGIVING IS NOT FOR WIMPS

After spending a lot of sleepless nights and hectic days going around in circles, I finally realized I needed help. My first wake-up call was when I read the statistics about the rate of caregivers dying before the person who was ill. Someone suggested I find and join a local support group and it really helped.

In the support group, I realized I was not alone and I got tips on how to handle certain situations. But, what really got my attention was over the period of approximately a year, three caregivers in my support group either died before the person they were caring for or within six months after the death of the person receiving care. And to make matters worse, two other caregivers from the group experienced major health issues that required they be hospitalized. So as someone once said, caregiving is a serious business and not for the faint of heart.

THE MOTHER DAUGHTER CONNECTION

While the jury is still out as to whether dementia is genetic, a report by the Alzheimer’s Association found that women are twice as likely as men to develop the disease and that currently someone in America is developing Alzheimer’s every 71 seconds and growing. Well, I don’t know about you, but as a woman and a caregiver, that caused me to pull out my Nike’s from under the bed, and break out my old gut buster and get busy working on getting myself in better shape.

I have become passionate about health and wellness, by educating myself about dementia related illnesses, by reading and doing research, attending workshops and volunteering and becoming involved in any other avenue I can find that will be helpful in dealing with the disease.

MORE SURPRISES

But then, as I began to study , I found that health and wellness is more than just diet and exercise. Wellness is a lifestyle and affects every area of your life, spiritual, financial, emotional and more. I hope you will join me as a fellow caregiver in learning how to make wellness a lifestyle. So, what have I learned on my journey:

A. -Developing a wellness lifestyle will enhance the quality of life for both you and your loved one to keep a healthy balance of the mind, body and spirit.

B. - All the above areas of life-style are connected and intertwined, and being able to keep them in balance will create a healthier, happier environment and is sure to improve the quality of life of everyone is your household. So to all caregivers everywhere, I say: Be healthy, keep fit and stay strong.

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

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Coach Gloria

Life Strategies/Wellness Coach & Patient Advocate

Owner: GJ Brown & Associates

Blog: Glo’s Caregiver Wellness Connection

Email: gbrown1gjba@gmail.com

Website: http://gbrown1gjba.wix.com/caregiverwellness