Taking Care of the Caregiver: Me!

Taking care of the caregiver is just as important as taking care of the person needing the care. I am not "Nurse Goodbody" nor do I have any of the characteristics of Mother Teresa. I still choose to give the needed help and assistance that my husband needs. He deserves that from me. The vows I took said "for better or for worse". This is just part of that vow. Here are some things I do to help my mental and emotional attitude and physical well being as best I can do on a daily basis.

Have a life - apart

It is important to have a life and maintain that life apart from the care giving duties and responsibilities. Maintaining friendships, having lunches, meetings with friends is very important to me. My women friends tell me who I am. They think I am just great! Oftentimes they are my best support system.

Take time for my enjoyments

Time is short and it usually is not available for an all day excursion. I look for "snippets" of time. Nothing is more enjoyable than to walk through a plant nursery. Seeing the colors, smelling the blooms and feeling the delicacy of God's creations is soothing to the Soul. Running my fingers down the leaves of a Japanese lace leaf maple or looking into the little faces of all the pansies is a delight. In the season, I like nothing better than to see the beauty of the hostas growing in our own yard. They are so regal!

Take care of my wants and needs

I want and need to grow! Even though I am "homebound" mostly, there are things to learn and experience. My learning to write for the Internet has opened up an entire world and the technical knowledge needed has truly challenged my abilities. I am looking forward to getting a digital camera. That will add to the challenge and eventually increased enjoyment. (I think)

My health

I have a good doctor and have followed directions. We have done most of the requested tests. Some are not financially feasible right now and I am fairly healthy for my age. I exercise most every day and eat a low fat diet. I even used the treadmill in the garage for 10 minutes this afternoon on my way to the mailbox! (Smiles about that one) During warm weather, there is always lots of physical work to be done outside. Sunshine is essential for vitamin D absorption. It just makes me feel good!

My responsibilities

I take care of my household responsibilities. The children are grown so the work is a lot less for that reason. I pay close attention to my moral responsibilities. I personally know two women that left their husbands when the husband became ill. I cannot imagine how they live with that decision. I took a vow....and besides that, I love my husband.

Asking for and receiving help

Living on a small acreage requires physical labor that I can no longer accomplish by myself. We feared we would be forced to leave our home, but what has happened is we have many friends that have willingly given their time and efforts to help. Although compensation is given, no amount of payment can express our appreciation for their support. We are truly blessed.

Most importantly - Just One Day At A Time

The caregiver must take care of the caregiver first. This is not being totally selfish, just realistic. Without that, all else would be lost and the mental and physical anguish on both parties would be horrible! One day at a time, with God's help, life is very good. Amen