Caregivers

As a care giver, I know the added stress that is brought into your
life. You are responsible for another person's health and life.
This is an awesome responsibility. You probably love that
person very much, or you may just be an employee, paid for your
care. Either way, the control is in your hands. Sometimes you
wish it came with brakes. At least an Emergency Brake! It is
difficult to make each decision for another. You probably have a
certain amount of medical training in the field you are "working"
in. I have found from personal experience, doctors who know
you are sometimes willing to teach you a great deal. I sometimes
wish I was not quite so knowledgeable in caring for a few
aspects of patient care. I would just like to ring a bell and say
"nurse could you..." unfortunately, it is all part of the territory.

As a caregiver, you quickly learn to make the blood testing as
painless as possible. You learn to make sure you have the
supplies you need on hand. You learn to plan meals that are
nutritious, interesting and not going to be left uneaten. You learn
that everyone has a bad day sometimes. You keep a special
back up treat on hand. Maybe it is a new book, a cross word
puzzle or even a special outing. When the weather permits, a
nice walk or ride if necessary, can be the difference between
staying home with a cranky patient or getting a new view.

Many caregivers suffer from burnout. Basically, this means they are just so tired of the
responsibility of the job. Possibly the patient has progressed to the point where your
knowledge is being taxed to the point of snapping. These times, it is important to
communicate with the doctor. Be honest, as in everything else in life, it is the best policy.

Possibly a break from your duties will set things right. Maybe just talking about it is
enough. It could be it is time to join a support group. Talk to others who also do what
you do. Personally, for me, it is an escape to the campground. I can go there, be away
from the pressures of everyday life for just a weekend. What a difference. I come home
rejuvenated, ready to take the bull by the horns. Everyone must find a coping strategy. It
is a very personal thing. While you are thinking of it, remember the patient. He or she,
also need s a new outlook, probably more than you do. Take the wheel and guide them
into a different way of thinking. A new project to complete, a model to build, one of those
special treats I spoke of. Be good to you both.