"When NPR asked caregivers to share their stories, nearly 600 responded with practical advice, hair-raising stories and plenty of hard-won expertise. (Share your own story here.) As one put it: "Dear whatever doesn't kill me, I'm strong enough now. Thanks." There are seasons in caregiving long stretches where things are relatively stable and phases of turmoil, when everything is happening at once."
"One of the first tasks adult caregivers face is learning the ropes of the crazy U.S. health care system. You're likely becoming both a patient advocate and a medical coordinator two jobs with steep learning curves. Here's what other caregivers have learned. Caregiving is now your new normal. But fully accepting and adjusting to this changed reality can take a while. Often, it comes in waves periods of calm interrupted by wild turmoil. Here are tips for enduring these times."
Millions of people care for ill or elderly adults and face physical, emotional and logistical burdens. Caregiving involves alternating seasons of relative stability and sudden turmoil when many problems arise at once. Caregivers often become patient advocates and medical coordinators who must learn to navigate a complex U.S. health care system. Accepting caregiving as a new normal can take time and occurs in waves. Most caregivers urge seeking help from support groups, family, therapists, churches or friends because caregiving is isolating and overwhelming. Real self-care means protecting mental and physical health, setting boundaries and practicing self-forgiveness.
Read at www.npr.org
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