As another year finally passes, our thoughts turn to what lies in store for 2021. What will it hold for hold for those we care for and ourselves? Will we be able to meet its unique challenges? What needs changing in your caregiving? Here are ideas for making your Resolution List. First, would you say you were a competent caregiver in 2020? Did you find the energy and optimism to help others whether you felt good or not? Or did you on occasion, realize that your grip on caregiving principles was slipping? None of us is perfect but we can improve our use of the basic tenets of Caregiving.
These include authenticity of personality; empathy more than sympathy; high energy level; sustained optimism and outlook; enough medical or counseling knowledge and experience to make proper diagnoses and provide necessary support; doing all this over lengthy time passages. Review each tenet and rate yourself in 2020, honestly but fairly!
Be yourself; take good care of yourself, and offer your help freely. Use empathy to sense what the person needs to feel better but do not overreact to their problem; they will have to be the final helper!
Be a lifelong learner; get more education-degrees and/or training to provide higher level outcomes. Sustain your helping with each person until you are sure you have given your best. Display endurance and persistence of a higher order in situations which take time; be upbeat in your outlook and offer a smile which provides comfort to you and the receiver. Realize and accept that no caregiver can do it all. But your God-given gifts of talent, temperament, and authenticity of caring will save lives and raise the spirits of all you encounter!
Terry Chapman Phd
