November 2020
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Family caregivers need support, too! By Courtney Robinson, MSW FiftyForward Program Manager
The journey of family caregiving is just that, a JOURNEY. Becoming a caregiver is the ultimate act of love and selflessness; however, caregiving is not without challenges, and caregivers need support. The reality is that the majority of us will likely take on a caregiver role at some point in our lives. My family’s caregiving journey over the past few years evolved from long-distance caregiving from thousands of miles away to providing in-person, in-home care for my 97 year-old grandfather. Even though I am a social worker working with older adults and caregivers professionally, witnessing how my parents adapted to their new caregiving roles gave me a whole new perspective on the matter. Our caregiving journey started gradually as our family began to pick up on signs that my grandparents needed more help than they were letting on. As long-distance caregivers, we did the best we could to put in place whatever support we could find and, just as importantly, support my grandparents would agree to accept. Last year, after a quick illness followed by the passing of my grandmother, we had to make new plans for my grandfather. The question became … what do we do now? The decision was made that my grandfather would move to Nashville to be closer to my mom and dad. My mom and I spent days touring assisted living facilities in the area. Ultimately, we decided that we wanted to provide care in the home for as long as possible. We are
fortunate that our family situation allows us to do that. My message to family caregivers is that you are important, and you L-R: Toni Rotz, FiftyForward Martin are doing the very Center member, poses with Dr. Carrell best job you can Kucera, retired research scientist and (even if some days WWII veteran, and Courtney Robinson, you don’t feel like FiftyForward Program Manager. it!). Here are some tips for caregivers from both my personal and professional caregiving experience: •
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Remember to care for yourself! During times of stress, it becomes even more important to make sure you are tending to your own physical, mental, and spiritual health. Have the difficult conversations now. Talk about finances and healthcare wishes (including your own) early and often and share that information with others involved in your loved one’s care. Ask for help and find support! Have family and friends come together to discuss the care that is needed and take advantage of their offers of help. Ask for help if it’s not offered. Look into community caregiver resources. FiftyForward Supportive Care offers a variety of services that support caregivers and could benefit your family.
FiftyForward is excited to support family caregivers in a new way by offering the Powerful Tools for Caregivers class in early 2021. See page 10 for more information.
FiftyForward supports, champions and enhances life for those 50 and older. 1