Can't stop, won't stop

CAREGIVING

November is National Caregiver Month

Publications, television, and magazines are already spotlighting caregivers and their challenges before the start of National Caregiver Month. I’m here for it. As we all know, caregiving won’t stop being part of life.

A friend shared an NPR article entitled, “A Caregiver’s Survival Guide: Advice from People Who’ve Been There.” Six hundred caregivers shared their stories. NPR summarized key themes. Below, I’ve shared those themes, quotes, and my take.

Remember:

• The Medical Maze - “Take notes.” “Treat it like a job.”

  • My Take: Every clinician visit is both a maze and an opportunity. Not only are you seeking the best care for your loved one, you are also cultivating a relationship. The provider is learning from you. You are learning from them.

    • Prepare for every visit. Use an app or your phone’s Notes feature. And, ask all the questions!

• Your New Normal - “This isn’t for ever.” “Live your life.”

  • My Take: It is hard to balance your life (all aspects of it) and care for a loved one. My caregiving journey was over 20 years long. While, I knew it wasn’t forever, it felt that way.

    • The time with my parents was priceless. Yet, I wish I figured out how to live a bit more for myself then. It would have helped.

• To Ask for Help - “Build your team.”

  • My Take: Caregiving does not have to be done in isolation, though it may feel easier to handle, carrying on by yourself. Take it from someone who still has trouble asking for help.

    • If you don’t have family or close friends to ask for support, research additional support. Even if you can only afford an hour or two, it will make a difference.

• Your Self Care - “Find other caregivers.” “Share your story.” “Embrace humor.”

  • My Take: I would not have remained in one piece if I didn’t share my caregiving journey. I shared with friends, hospital staff, various organizations, and others. All of it allowed me to reset and support others.

    • Humor is one of my love languages. I’m from a family of funny people. Laughter is how we process and move forward.

• Your New Relationship - “Allow the patient to take ownership of their own disease and aging process.” “Ask them.” “Keep loving them. Change with them.”

  • My Take: It can be hard to let your loved one lead, especially when they aren’t themselves. However, in many cases, it helps them move forward.

    • Before the bulk of my Mother’s illness set in, she shared her wishes. While I didn’t agree with all of them, I respected them.

• To Ask Resources - “Caregiving can be overwhelming. . . There are organizations to give you a helping hand.”

  •  My Take: Nonprofit organizations such as the Caregiver Action Network and National Alliance for Caregiving lobby on behalf of caregivers and offer resources to support our needs.

To keep these themes top of mind save this newsletter and bookmark this article.

News for you.

• Medicare’s Annual Enrollment has started. A big thank you to Sebra for sharing this Medicare Frequently Asked Question list from a large Boston provider. This list can help you plan and think of additional questions to ask your provider.

• “More than 70% of Gen X and Millennials are currently using or interested in AI-assisted diagnosis products leveraged and reviewed by doctors, compared with 56% of the total population.” Are you one of them? Let me know.

• How many scam texts or calls are you receiving weekly? Things have become more challenging. Did you know there is a strategy shaping up to tackle fraud and scammers?

• How creative will you be this holiday season? Get some inspiration from these holiday budgeting tips. You might surprise yourself with ideas for a few people on your list, including yourself!