Research shows long term caregivers suffer on average two additional health conditions that arise during long term caregiving: back issues due to lifting, increased anxiety and depression, etc. 

Caregivers are infamous for not taking time to focus on self-care for themselves; this includes their own medical appointments. They often state they are “too busy” caring for the patient. 

This is not sustainable because when the caregiver goes down or gets hurts that often leaves the patient with no help – potentially in a dangerous situation. 

A client I work with developed a pinched nerve. She avoided immediate treatment and now needs to go in for a procedure that will put her off of her feet for at least two days. This requires a lot of planning (she needs a driver, someone to care for her spouse with dementia for at least two days,etc…). 

While she waits for her procedure and is in pain she continues to be the caregiver albeit with a short fuse. Chronic pain can do that. 

This week she said, “It’s my turn to hurt, I am the patient.”  It is her turn. We worked on a plan to find relief for her, give her permission to keep things very simple and allow her to give herself a break and be her own best friend if she chooses. These things can be challenging when you are used to the daily tasks of caregiving. They may even seem insurmountable.  They are not.

Reach out for a free 20 minute consultation on how to “take your turn.