Care taking is a limitless job, yet time, energy, and resources are not limited, so how do you choose what you will do and what you won't do? I think of this situation often as I'm a caretaker. How do I choose?
First, I regularly think about best case scenarios--what is the best possible situation. As I think about this today, the best possible situation includes a good routine, a warm/welcoming home, consistent skilled and loving care, good nutrition, and regular social opportunities.
A good routine ensures that all the important elements of care are regularly addressed. In general, my loved ones' routine includes three good meals, daily chores, camaraderie with friends and caretakers, reading the paper, watching the news and other shows, appointments, rest, and relaxation.
Social opportunities are often the highlights of the schedule. Planning just-right social opportunities takes some forethought as well being open-minded to the serendipitous events that occur.
The care taking team is another important consideration. In general, care taking profits from a good, collaborative team that works well together rather than a single person trying to do it all. The care taking team needs to care for one another in ways that motivate the kind of good care possible. Care taking teams in general often go through many changes due to all kinds of factors, and each time the team changes, that requires some new and greater efforts to support a positive routine.
And, as I always write about, to be a good care taker you have to take care of yourself to ensure that you have good energy and a positive attitude for the work involved.
The objective of care taking always includes quality, positive, happy living, and it's important to keep this aim upfront in all you do. Onward.