New Year’s Resolutions for Caregivers
It’s human to want a fresh start. Even though I know that December 31 of one year is rarely that different from January 1 of the next, I greet each New Year’s Day as a symbolic new beginning. I can’t explain it, but the first day of January always gives me a (brief) psychological boost.
Reevaluating Your Goals, Expectations and Attitudes
Like most family caregivers, I always strove for perfection while caring for my elders. Of course, these expectations always left me feeling like I fell short. There is no way that I know of to be a perfect caregiver. The needs of any care receiver can change in an instant. We can miss subtle signals. We are often so tired and stressed that we may absentmindedly forget to pick up a prescription, check an adult brief or do the laundry. All these things can bring on a huge case of unearned caregiver guilt.
It is so easy to get wrapped up in the difficult feelings and the pressure that come with this role. Every so often, caregivers need to remind themselves that they are doing their personal best. The new year is a perfect time to take inventory of your life and see what improvements you can make. My thought is that we can look at the coming year with fresh eyes, even though that freshness may only last a moment.
I made the following list of New Year’s resolutions that I felt I could’ve used when I was an active family caregiver. However, some of the items on this list that address self-care and self-love are important for everyone, not just those who are providing care. Even if you only stick to one of these, remember that progress is good, no matter how small.
A Caregiver’s New Year’s Resolutions
- I give myself permission to not keep the following resolutions or to keep them only partway.
- When I feel I am imperfect, I will remember that guilt is not an option as long as I know I did the best I could, given the circumstances.
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Minding Our Elders: Caregivers Share Their Personal Stories. “For anyone having to walk the last segments of life with a loved one, read this.” …Delores
