Unlike many books about care giving, my focus is on you, the care giver, not on the person you are caring for. I offer a few guidelines which may serve you now.
1. How you are being with the person you are caring for is more important than what you do. Never underestimate the value of your just being there.
2. There are many things to do — there is no one, correct path, only the path that works for you and the person for whom you are caring.
3. Build a support team: family, friends, specialists in the field. Don’t make the mistake that I did of trying to do it on your own, even when you know you can. Involve others.
4. This journey you are starting is a privilege. Honor it –and yourself. Along the way, know you will have times when you are sure you cannot take another step. Also, know that you can. The journey will be one of great growth for you and at some point, you will find joy in it.
5. Take care of yourself at all times. Find ways to make at least part of the journey fun for you and the person for whom you are caring. Yes, there are ways to make it fun. Create a way to get away from the caring, even if it is just a ‘happy hour’ with people who will not remind you of your caring role. Go someplace where people don’t know you, if you have to.
Peace & Joy
Richard Anastasi
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