Care taking journeys take multiple paths. Over my life, I've talked to many in care taking roles, but it wasn't until I was in that role myself that I looked at the required responsibility, decision making, and actions with such detail. I've learned a lot since then.
Care taking is different for every person
While many care taking situations have overlap, no two situations are exactly the same. There's no one right path to care for those in need, and that differentiation does create some struggle since every care situation requires somewhat different responses. In some ways, every caretaker is on their own due to this variability.
The definition of good care differs from person to person
People often don't agree about what good care looks like. Just like care taking needs, the definition of what good care looks like differs a lot too. This definition difference can create struggle too.
Finances play a role when it comes to care taking
Those with lots of money versus those with less money will face different care taking struggles. With lots of money, people are able to afford all kinds of services, and with little money there's less services available. As with many situations, more money helps when it comes to good care taking.
Time plays a role when it comes to care taking
Some people have lots of time to take care of others and others have limited time due to all kinds of circumstances.
The care taking journey continually evolves
When you are caring for others, the journey continually changes for multiple reasons including the health/welfare of the people you are caring for, medical advancements, social service changes, and more. It's not a static path, but an ever changing path which creates challenge.
Care taking profits from a team approach
Care taking can be arduous, troubling, worrisome, and confusing. In the best of circumstances, care taking profits from teamwork. When a group of people can share the work in positive ways, there is better care. That's not always possible, but as much as possible caretakers should try to build a team that can provide the needed care together.
A positive approach and mindset promotes better care
As much as possible it's good to approach care taking with a positive approach and mindset. Care taking can take one down and make you feel negative, but you have to fight against that negativity as it does no one any good so as much as possible you have to be positive and use a sense of humor when the care taking gets tough.
Care taking is in many ways a mysterious journey--you simply don't know what's ahead, and have to work with as much flexibility, positivity, and teamwork as possible to provide the good care that's needed. Onward.