UNCOVERING 5 MYTHS ABOUT CAREGIVERS FOR A LOVED ONE

When I was responsible for the care of my mom, I found it extremely fulfilling in lots of ways. However, there is, unfortunately, an awful stigma attached to being a caregiver.

Millions of people care for someone who cannot take care of themselves and in most cases, it is a parent or a spouse. The amount of caregiver hours spent is staggering, so, I thought it could be helpful to consider 5 common stories about caregivers and uncover their legitimacy when looked at from an overall perspective.

The myths surrounding caregiving vary and are primarily based on FEAR. Most of the people who circulate tales about caregivers, do not know what a caregiver actually does. The first step to uncovering the myths is to understand the things that truly make up a caregiver of an elderly or terminally ill individual.

Although every caregiver is different, we all share things in common.

1) We provide emotional support to our loved ones. We ensure they meet not only the physical needs, we go a step further to release them from any emotional trauma.

2) We help manage the finances and bills. We pay bills, bank transactions, and even supervise the spending.

3) We encourage exercise, careful eating habits, and medications. We always ensure that our loved ones are in a fit state and well-being.

4) We help move them from place to place if they cannot move on their own. We provide the needed support for our loved ones with disabilities to move around.

NOW, LET US LOOK AT SOME OF THE COMMON MYTHS, AND HOW WE UNMASK THEM:

1) ALL CAREGIVERS EVENTUALLY GET DEPRESSION. Truth: The claim that all caregivers have a package of depression as a reward is, non-factual, and has no proof. By being kind to oneself and practicing self-care one can do away with depression.

2) YOU HAVE TO BE AVAILABLE AT ALL TIMES WHEN YOU'RE CARING FOR SOMEONE. Truth: If you can't make yourself available, find other ways to help your parents manage their health and quality of life -- like preparing healthy meals or taking them on walks -- you're still a great caregiver!

3) YOU HAVE TO TAKE CARE OF EVERY NEED YOUR SENIOR HAS. Truth: This is impossible. No one person can do everything, and that is why it is so important to have a community of support around you. There are many types of help available for seniors in need, so don't think you have to do it all!

4) CAREGIVERS SHOULD BE ABLE TO DO EVERYTHING THEMSELVES. Truth: This is the most common myth that causes the most problems It prevents caregivers from seeking the help they need. Asking for help is not a sign of failure. It is rather a sign of strength and wisdom.

5) CAREGIVERS ARE ALL WOMEN. Truth: No! Men are as likely to be caregivers as women. About 43% of caregivers in America are men. This statistic also means that neither gender is better or worse at being a caregiver than the other one.

Regardless of your gender or relationship with your senior loved one, the most important thing is to be compassionate and dedicated to their well-being.

PEOPLE OFTEN BELIEVE MYTHS BECAUSE THEY CONFIRM WHAT THEY ALREADY BELIEVE. Many people in an aging population will face caregiving in their lives. By unmasking common myths, it may be easier for them to deal with the challenges of caregiving when the times comes for them or someone close to them.

Tara Genusa

Stress Coach/COR.E Wellbeing Dynamics Specialist

Stressreliefsolutions.net

tara@stressreliefsolutions.net

Also, Please feel free to follow me on fb for more tips on Stress and Anxiety at:

Tara Genusa - Certified Life Coach