As we care for our loved ones, that care journey morphs and changes dependent on our loved ones' needs, what's available to support their needs, and the ever changing landscape of our individual and collective lives.
How do we navigate this ever changing journey? What do we do?
I'm thinking about this topic today as I consider my role as a caretaker. Most of us in society have care-taking roles relative to our family members, jobs and communities. Some of those care-taking roles are well supported in society and others are less supported. When the role is less-supported there are a lot of hurtles to overcome, whereas when the role is more supported, there is great camaraderie and support for the work you do.
As a parent, I have felt mostly supported in my care-taking role. There are many agencies available to help parents care for their children--agencies such as the pediatrician's office, schools, after-school programs, childcare, and recreational programs bring parents together and help us with that role in life. Of course, there's a need to better some of these agencies in ways that make the support more accessible, affordable, and relative to our specific needs, but in general, there are a lot of support agencies that help parents.
When it comes to caring for the elderly, I find the landscape less easy to navigate. There are not as many inviting, easy-to-understand, and helpful paths and agencies that help you tend to this care-taking role well. In fact, this role can become quite lonely, worrisome, and depressing at times. That said, there are agencies available, and it's worth seeking those out as you journey this path.
Raising children is looked at in a much more positive light in society than caring for our elderly loved ones. In fact, many resist and shy away from the role of joining together to care for the elderly with loving camaraderie, collaboration, and care. This is one reason why the role of caring for the elderly is so difficult--for many, life's end stage is difficult to acknowledge, understand, or embrace.
Simply recognizing the challenges related to eldercare, helps you to forge ahead in the best possible ways. As I look at my role in this regard, I want to continue the journey with these efforts:
- Ensure that the living environment is warm, welcoming, and supportive of good living
- Ensure that there is adequate daily support
- Provide camaraderie and include elderly loved ones in as many positive events including holidays and other family events as much as possible.
- Make sure they are getting the best possible medical care.
- Stay in touch regularly.
- Collaborate and communicate with other care givers on a regular basis to streamline and optimize care.
- Embrace the multiple styles and focus care givers will bring to the situation without judgement or comparison.
- Give those you are caring for voice and choice with regard to their care. Know what they want, need, and desire, and fulfill this as much as possible.