Many caregivers are:
-
OVERWHELMED
-
FEARFUL
-
FEEL GUILTY
Caregivers are overwhelmed:
a. Stress is a broad term that most of us deal with daily. However, when you put yourself into a caregiving role, stress elevates extremely. The responsibility of caregiving weighs heavily on the caregiver.
b. Coping with a loved one’s illness isn’t easy. The day-in and day-out reality that your loved-one is ill is difficult to accept. In many cases, they would prefer it was them who was ill.
Caregivers are afraid to touch their loved ones:
a. Fear of hurting their loved one. Fear of making them worse. Loved ones are often frail, have medical devices like PICC lines or catheters. How in the world can you provide massage with all of that? Fear is normal and warranted. Education is needed.
b. Don’t know how – caregivers are afraid to touch their loved ones, because they don’t know how. The opportunity to provide instruction for a caregiver and for them to “get it” and help their loved one feel better… PRICELESS!
Caregivers feel guilty that they are not doing enough:
a. They put a guilt trip on themselves because all they want is to help their loved ones feel better.
b. They would try anything if it would work.
One way to take away the overwhelm, fear and guilt is to learn how to provide gentle-touch massage. It provides comfort and relaxation for loved ones and provides caregivers with the satisfaction of “doing something” to help. It’s a win-win.
I’m currently working on a video series to teach caregivers how to provide gentle-touch massage for their loved ones. It will be available soon. You can find out more here.
Questions/Comments? I would LOVE to hear from you.
Warmly,
Susan -501-915-4012