Navigating Caring for an Aging Loved One

Every day, individuals may find themselves stepping into new caregiving roles, whether gradually or suddenly. This may involve assisting parents, spouses, and other loved ones in managing changes related to illness, memory loss, and overall changes in their functioning. As Rosalynn Carter once said, “There are only 4 kinds of people in the world: Those who have been caregivers, those who are currently caregivers, those who will be caregivers, and those who will need caregivers.”

Caregivers often wear many “hats”, from coordinating logistics (e.g., appointments, meals) to offering companionship and emotional support, and much more. Depending on the type of relationship between the caregiver and the care recipient, there may be a distinct shift in roles (e.g., a child becomes the caregiver for their parent). As your loved one’s needs evolve, so can the demands of the care tasks.

Entering into a caregiving role can be an act of love and devotion, while also potentially leading to feelings of exhaustion and overwhelm. For example, caregiving for loved ones with dementia can become more complex as the disease progresses. In many cases, a dementia diagnosis can have the longest trajectory and impact on the family.

At Curio, we offer a place for caregivers who give their all and who may rarely pause to ask themselves, “How am I doing?”.

Counselling can offer a compassionate space to:

· Process emotions and changes to loved ones

· Identify stressors, values, and clarify roles and needs

· Reconnect with your strengths, identity, and overall well-being

We recognize that not all caregiving journeys are the same. Some of you may be supporting chosen family members, while others are part of the “sandwich” generation who care for their children and aging parents simultaneously. Whatever your journey looks like, our team can support you in navigating your unique path.

Just as your loved one deserves support, so do you. Counselling is not about adding more to your plate; rather, it is about carving space for you in the midst of it all.

Caregiving can be tough, and it’s okay to ask for support. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, Colleen Kehler offers a safe space to talk through the challenges and find the balance you deserve.

Book a session with Colleen and take the first step toward nurturing both you and those you care for.

The post Navigating Caring for an Aging Loved One appeared first on Curio Counselling.



from Curio Counselling https://curiocounselling.ca/navigating-caring-for-an-aging-loved-one/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=navigating-caring-for-an-aging-loved-one
via Curio Counselling

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