Appreciate your parents

6 Reasons to Appreciate Your Job As a Caregiver

You can appreciate your job as a caregiver, taking care of an aging loved one even though it’s draining, both physically and emotionally.

It can be lonely, overwhelming and frustrating, and it often seems thankless. Despite all of this, you persevere and wake up every day to face new challenges and appreciate your job knowing that your parent isn’t in a nursing home.

Why?

Because you care and appreciate your job knowing that you can do for your aging parent what your parent did for you.

Caregiving is the ultimate act of love. It is a selfless, generous thing to do, and one that many people wouldn’t think about taking on.

So give yourself some credit. Realize how important your role as a caregiver is.

In times of grief and frustration, it’s difficult to imagine how in the world caregiving can be considered a positive experience.

However, if you delve a little deeper, you’ll find the silver lining in your clouds and realize you do appreciate what you can do for your parent.

  1. Accomplishment

    Providing care for another person is uncharted territory. Most people are unprepared for this role. There are no courses on how to be a good caregiver.

    There’s no textbook on what to expect. Somehow, you figured it out. You learn everything you can, get creative when you have to and do your best.

    Caregiving is a huge personal accomplishment, and you should be proud of your resourcefulness, flexibility and determination.

  2. A Rewarding Experience

    Even with a difficult parent, caregiving can be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life. One that you will appreciate later down the road.

    It’s easy to get wrapped up in the daily grind of providing care, but when you adopt a short-sighted perspective, your efforts don’t seem very rewarding.

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    Looking back some day, you’ll think that the time spent with your loved one was incredibly gratifying, you’ll appreciate the time spent with your loved one.

    When you’re feeling overwhelmed, try to take a step back and think about the big picture.

  3. Being There

    One of the biggest fears that people have about illness and death is going through these events alone.

    Because of you, your loved one will never have to face that by themselves.

    Whether they are of sound mind or struggling with the effects of dementia, they’ll understand on some level that you’re with them when they need you most.

    Your time, effort and attention provide comfort and have a profoundly beneficial impact on your loved one. This is a priceless gift that you’ll appreciate.

  4. Precious Moments

    Like life, caregiving is full of ups and downs. They may be few and far between, but when special moments come along, they make your heart sing.

    A moment of recognition from a loved one with dementia, a heartfelt “thank you” from someone who’s usually ornery, a long-lost family story and a shared laugh are all treasures for caregivers to cherish.

    These highpoints can also act as fuel to keep you chugging along if you let them. Looking back on your caregiving journey, you’ll remember and appreciate those tender moments.

  5. You are Forever Changed

    Caregiving changes your perspective on life. This experience will help you realize what’s important to you in the long run and what your goals are for yourself, your family, and your own golden years.

    Even under the most challenging circumstances, taking care of someone you love can have a powerful influence on your outlook, your relationships and your life.

  6. Making a Difference

    Never underestimate but appreciate your job and the impact you have on others.

    You’re not going to get an award, and you may not even receive any acknowledgment for what you do or what you sacrifice.

Always remember: you’re making a difference in someone’s every day life. That’s what life is all about.

The decision to choose others over yourself.

To show mercy, to choose quality over quantity of life and to send the message that “I’m here for you,” these things are the ultimate expression of love.

It isn’t easy, but it’s commendable. You’re part of something bigger than yourself.

Celebrate it, Embrace it and Appreciate your job, the privilege you’ve been given.

Previous research recently revealed the presence of positive aspects in caregiving.

This study had a double objective: first, to identify positive aspects of family caregiving; second, to analyze the relationship between these caregiving rewards and different variables.

A total of 140 family caregivers of dependent elderly participated in the study.

Out of these, 79 of the elderly suffered dementia and 63 were institutionalized.

Caregivers’ satisfaction and quality of life was above average.

Those caregivers who perceived a good quality of relationship with their elder, presented more satisfaction than the others.

Problems in quality of life showed a positive relationship with the level of dependence of the elder.

On the other hand, the more level of dependence of the elder, the greater the level of satisfaction of the caregiver.

Those caregivers with a good relationship showed less provisional meaning than those with a normal or a bad relationship.

We confirm the relevance of the caregiver-elder relationship, which can be improved and modified through specific preventive interventions.

Our findings indicate that interventions for caregivers of people with dementia should explore ways to find meaning in caregiving.

Celebrate, Embrace and Appreciate your job of caring for your elderly loved one.

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Donna The Crazy Caregiver

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