Caregiver Newton MA
Many people have the perception that family caregivers are all women. These are the wives, daughters, and granddaughters of the seniors who are receiving the care, and that they are “better” at fulfilling these needs. The truth, however, is that this is not necessarily the case. At least 40 percent of the family caregivers throughout the United States are men, and they are just as capable of offering nurturing, loving, and effective care as the women in their lives. If you are one of these male caregivers, it is important that you embrace your role so that you can be the best caregiver possible for your elderly loved one.
Use these tips to help you embrace your role as a male caregiver:
- Do not minimize it. You may not be in the majority of caregivers, but that does not mean that your role is any less important. Do not let yourself fall into the pattern of teasing yourself to others about your role, thinking of yourself as “only a caregiver”, or thinking that someone else could fulfill these responsibilities better, but you are the only one that was available and willing. Be proud of your role and what you are able to accomplish.
- Seek out support. All caregivers experience stress, guilt, and challenges, and go through times when they feel as though they are completely alone in the world. This can be especially true for males who are in the minority of caregivers, and who must face a community that is generally geared toward female caregivers. Seek out a support group that is tailored toward male caregivers. This will give you a place where you can talk about the challenges that you have been facing and get advice from others who have gone through the same thing. It is important to remember that you do not have to change who you are to be a caregiver, and that you can create a care approach tailored to your parent and to your personality.
- Prepare for the questions. Because many people think of caregiving as something that women do, you may encounter questions, odd comments, or even rude teasing from those who do not understand. Be prepared for this. Do not let yourself get angry when you hear it. Instead, approach the situation as this is a person who does not know what you are going through and has never been in the position of caring for an elderly loved one. Be the person who tells them what it is like, what you do, and that you are not only proud of what you do for your parent, but thankful that you have the opportunity to spend quality time with your parent and ensure that they get the love, care, and support that they need. Above all, do not let the opinions of others control how you feel about your care role.
- Take care of yourself. Do not let yourself get so invested in your care efforts that you forget to take care of yourself. Eat a healthy diet, exercise regularly, and take steps to protect your mental and emotional health. This will not only keep you at your strongest and healthiest, but will also ensure that you can give the best care possible to your parent.
http://www.caregiver.com/articles/general/7_tips_for_male.htm
If you or an aging loved one are considering Caregiver Services in Newton MA, or anywhere in Eastern Massachusetts, please call the caring staff at CARE Resolutions – (508) 906-5572.
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