Caregivers typically focus on the non-stop running around, the challenge of balancing their own lives and their parent's life, the incessant worrying and so on. Yes, you could easily identify with these negative issues and many others like them, but there is joy to be found in caregiving. You may, however, have to search harder for this. Your joy in caregiving can be just as difficult to find as the proverbial needle in a haystack ... once you uncover it, the search will be well worth the trouble. I, for one, failed to realize this truth until after both my parents passed away; however, this became very apparent. I had learned and grown from the experience. Here are just a few examples of how you can/will do the same:
Foster a better relationship with your parents: Should your connection with Mom and/or Dad be somewhat strained, those old wounds can be healed through your helping to provide care. These final years can be the best time to focus on what is important now, rather than what may have happened many years ago.
Become better organized: Balancing the many caregiving duties called for can seem like a juggling act. Caregivers are not experienced buskers who can easily keep three burning torches in the air simultaneously. With whatever way you choose or with whichever tool works best for you, you will become better organized. You will learn the value of preplanning your daily agendas with great care, while allowing for some flex time to always allow for the unexpected.
Set your own priorities: Just what is most important in your own life? Caregiving will help to identify what takes precedence. As an example, even years after Mom and Dad passed away, I am still speaking out on caregiving issues and trying to help others in the process ... this teaching is significant for me.
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