Shout Out to Caregivers
My son has been sick for three weeks and my husband for four. Both had bad sinus infections and missed a bunch of school/work. This week, just when he should have been getting better, my husband took a turn for the worse and was diagnosed with pneumonia.
His morning appointment turned into an all day affair while the doctor ordered lab work, IV fluids, a chest X Ray, more labs, and finally an IV course of antibiotics. (Fortunately I brought my HRCP study materials and spent the day reading up on Strategic Management in preparation for my SPHR exam!) Since then, I’ve been playing a combination of Florence Nightingale and Giant Peapod (grocery delivery). My son is still home sick, my husband is still weak, has little energy and is not yet driving.
I love them and I’m glad to help, but I’m also very ready for them both to get back on their feet and out of my hair! My routine is just not the same. I’ve had very little time for myself, my work or my own priorities.
I was telling Chris Ponder there could be a silver lining in all this. Temporarily experiencing the disruption and fatigue of caregiving gives me new-found appreciation and respect for people who provide care long-term. In our workplaces, employees are caring for partners with Alzheimer’s or cancer, parents are caring for children with disabilities, adult children are taking care of aging parents. The AARP estimates that 43.5 million Americans, or 19% of all adults, are caring for an older relative. The average family caregiver is female, middle-aged and working outside the home, according to AARP and the other literature I’ve read. Often they still have children at home, making them the sandwich generation.
If you’re a caregiver, my hat’s off to you for your continued service and sacrifice. What tips and suggestions do you have for others in your situation? How do you take care of yourself, have enough time to renew and still have time for all your obligations?
If you’re a business owner or HR person, what has your organization done to help employees who are caregivers?
photo by rosieobeirne
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[caption id="attachment_1471" align="aligncenter" width="178" caption="My son Justin and friend after Earth Day fun.
Krista-
You brought up a lot of valid points here. Caregivers are ESSENTIAL. My husband was in the hospital last week,and it really puts a lot into perspective. I am not sure why it is that it always takes situations like these to stop us to reflect on what is important. It is a challenge no question when you are caring for others, and then you need to take care of yourself. I was so exausted I needed to take Saturday, and Just be still. Relax, meditate. Breathe. We all need to find what works for us.
Great Post!
Hi. Thanks for writing this blog. The topic is so important and not often discussed. Caregivers are often flying “under the radar” and don’t get the support or understanding they need. It is very tough to be giving constant care, and very easy to neglect one’s own needs. I see it all the time and am experiencing it myself again. Tough stuff. We need more dialogue.
Thanks for your comment, Terry. Do you have any suggestions or ideas on how to make the support and understanding a reality?