.jpg)
It can begin as simply as picking up a prescription for your husband, Googling your sister’s health condition, or driving your father to an appointment with his neurologist. This is just what we do, you tell yourself. Even as you continue to support your loved one, you may not identify yourself as a “caregiver.” The care you offer your loved ones does not define you in some new way.
And yet, over time, it will change you. Author Tia Walker says, “Caregiving often calls us to lean into love we didn’t know possible.” Being the primary caregiver for someone living with a disease or chronic illness can be a rewarding role. It can also become overwhelming, depleting, and isolating. If you don’t pay attention to your own needs because your focus is on your ailing loved one, you can experience caregiver burnout.
The Cleveland Clinic describes caregiver burnout as “a state of physical, emotional and mental exhaustion. It may be accompanied by a change in attitude from positive and caring to negative and unconcerned.” It occurs when you do more to care for your loved one than you are able to, physically, mentally, or financially.
What can you do to prevent burnout?
• Make a list of ways individual people can help. It might be as simple as picking up a prescription, providing care coverage while you visit your own health care provider, or taking your son to soccer practice. Put it on the fridge. When friends or family offer help, use the list.
• Use tech to get some help from a village. Try CaringBridge (caringbridge.org), GoFundMe (gofundme.com) or Take Them a Meal (takethemameal.com).
• Join a support group. Valley Program for Aging Services (VPAS) hosts online and in-person groups so you can gain insight from people on a similar journey. Visit vpas.info/caregiversupport.
• Get informed. Knowledge is power. It can make you a more confident caregiver and help relieve fear of the unknown. Look
Call today and receive a
for workshops, conferences, guidebooks, and online classes that can build understanding.
One such opportunity is coming up on Oct. 17, when VPAS hosts the third annual Confident Caregiver Conference for family caregivers of older adults at Blue Ridge Community College from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. You can attend sessions on end-of-life planning, providing health care at home, dementia, and mental health for caregivers.
There will also be a panel presentation featuring family caregivers who will share about their experience. Local organizations will host exhibits, and resource tables will feature literature and assistive technology displays, art and more. Music and special self-care opportunities will be available as well to help refresh your spirit, and door prizes will wrap up the day with excitement. Lunch is included.
When you “lean into love” you didn’t know possible as a caregiver, let that include loving yourself. Put this conference on your “help list,” plan a day away from caregiving now, and register at vpas.info/caregiver-support or (540) 261-7474.
Editor’s note: Leigh-Anne Lees is the incoming director of Valley Program for Aging Services.
