Characteristics of a successful caregiver
When caring for someone who is suffering from Alzheimer’s or dementia, be prepared to face hardships unlike anything you have encountered before.
Unfortunately, not everyone who attempts caregiving will be successful.
There’s no shame in admitting defeat or the need for help. This ordeal is unequal to any other and if you find that you’re suddenly unable to carry out this crusade, please don’t go through the rest of your life inflamed with guilt.
This is definitely not what your loved one would have wished upon you.
Here are five main characteristics you will need to embrace while caring for your loved one. As long as you maintain these significant qualities you should survive this noble campaign just fine:
Commitment – faithful dedication to the cause of the patient until his or her final breath.
You must stay devoted to the very end. Even if there comes a time when you can no longer care for your loved one at home and have to place them into a facility, your job is not finished. You still have to remain by their side, constantly making sure his or her best interest is always being looked after.
Compassion – concern toward the suffering and understanding the feelings of the patient and family members.
One thing that I’ve learned is that denial is one symptom of Alzheimer’s which affects everyone close to the patient.
Many families are torn apart, some never healing their wounds. It is a devastating experience watching a spouse, parent or sibling dissolve right in front of your eyes.
So, when caring for such an individual you must continue to be compassionate to all that are near.
Endurance – withstanding painful long years of misery for the victim and caregiver because of this dreadful disease.
You have to reach deep inside yourself and pull out all the endurance you can find. It is in there, believe me. Sadly, there is no time frame for this disease. There have been some cases where the victim has suffered a tormenting 20 years with this illness.
This is not the norm; they usually only survive six to eight years after they have been diagnosed. But, you just never know. So, strap on your boots tight and dig your heels in and be prepared for a long-haul of asperity.
Unselfishness – generosity of putting your life on hold, including social isolation and financial burdens.
One of the first things you notice when you become a caregiver is that your social life will start withering away. Also, most caregivers will have to terminate their employment and in today’s economy that is quite troublesome.
There are numerous sacrifices that must be made in order to keep your loved one safe and comfortable. Being selfish is something a caregiver doesn’t even have time for.
Honesty – loyalty toward and the protection of the afflicted one’s assets and best interest.
The person you are caring for has placed all the trust they possess in you. You have to preserve all their holdings the best you can.
You never know what expenses will occur toward the end of this disease. Thirty-five to forty percent of elder abuse comes from some type of financial devastation.
Stay true to your heart and always follow what instincts that are deep inside. You will know what the right thing is to do. By following these five characteristics you will undoubtedly make yourself a stronger individual.
Someday, after this arduous campaign is over, you’ll be able to look back and know that you have developed morally and ethically into a better person from the experience.
For more info
Gary LeBlanc was the primary caregiver of his father for more than eight years after he was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and he has just published a collection of his articles in a book named, “Staying Afloat in a Sea of Forgetfulness.” The book can be found at www.stayingafloatbook.com, Amazon or Barnes and Noble. He can be e-mailed at us41books@ bellsouth.net.
