March 8 - Caregiving

I went to a seminar for work this week called "Finding Support in Your Caregiving" sponsored by the recently formed Gerontology Consortium of Michiana. Here are my take-aways:

• There are community resources you know not of... but they're all under-funded and in need of volunteers.
• You have to take care of yourself first to be a good caregiver for others. Here are Dr. Robert Riley's suggestions for finding this balance personally: (1) Take time off from caregiving, (2) Experience things that make you say "wow", (3) Keep physically fit, (4) Stimulate your brain/continual learning, (5) Find a creative activity you enjoy (art, music, writing, dance), (6) Find a little quiet time, (7) Find meaning in your caregiving - repeatedly remind yourself why you do what you do.

While the seminar was targeting caregivers for chronically ill and elderly, I think we're all caregivers in some capacity. Sometimes taking care of three kids feels as hard as supervising a grandmother with dementia. We could all benefit from being conscientious about recharging our batteries. It will only add value to those around us.

I think I'll go play a little Dance Dance Revoluntion...