Day: December 17, 2010

Welcome to Caregiver Friday!!

The holiday season is upon us and for many that’s an added stress to your lives.  The holidays are supposed to be a time of fun and celebration but for many caregivers it’s one more time to take care of others…what about you?

If you’re looking for ideas to give friends and family for gifts you might enjoy think about telling them to give you time.  We all need to remember that time is a perishable commodity.  Once we miss out on something on December 17, 2010 we can’t ever reclaim that time. 

Having others give you the gift of time can mean lots of things.  Perhaps it means that you get some respite, someone comes to stay with the person who is sick or injured while you go out and spend time with friends, go to a coffee shop and read a book, or maybe even go see a movie.  Time as a gift may allow you the opportunity to take a class, go to a lecture, or take a little trip to spend time with family and friends.

People don’t think of time as precious, but as a caregiver and knowing someone who is potentially facing a shortened life, you know that time is precious.  People have to remember that by giving you time you not only get a bit of a break, but it allows you to recharge your battery so you can continue your role as a caregiver.

How many times have we made fun of loved ones who give coupons as gifts such as a massage from your partner, or cuddle time.  These become primo gifts because a coupon from a friend that you can redeem allows you to utilize the relief in caregiving responsibilities when you need it most.  It allows you, the caregiver, to get the relief you need at the time you need it.

Other opportunities may be that family or friends offer to pick up groceries, go to the dry cleaner for you, or take the kids to soccer practice.  Anything and everything that gives you wiggle room in your schedule is a precious gift.

I wish you a happy and healthy holiday season.  Caregiving is the ultimate gift to the person you love, and I hope you get that same kind of consideration.

I hope you’ll check out more tips for caregivers at the website www.survivingstrong.com.  You can sign-up for the free e-course “Courageous Caregiver”…my gift to you!