GUEST ESSAYIST: Want to make your caregiving role work for your spirit and your pocket book? The answer may be at your fingertips!
In her own words
Keeping It REAL Caregiving would like to welcome fellow family caregiver Rita back to the stage!
For many years, Rita has been the primary family caregiver to her elderly mother who is challenged with a number of health issues.
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Rita will periodically share with us some of the unique moments she has faced along her caregiving journey.
In this update, we’ll learn some of the creative solutions she has come up with to use her time efficiently while also caring for her mother.
6 creative and crafty ways to make the most of your caregiving time
By: Rita Almaguer
Hello everyone,
If you are a caregiver like me, the reality is, we are taking care of our loved ones 24/7. And that means we often have to find things to do while our loved ones are asleep.
Depending on how much care and attention your loved one needs, you need to be either in the same room or very close by – in case they need you for some reason.
You need to be quiet so that they can rest well. That means there are only so many things you can do to pass the time. I tell people, “I know how to read, I just don’t like to read.”
So what else can you do to let your loved one rest, while you still get peace of mind?
I love being creative with different crafts so I put my hands to work while being as quiet as possible. Here are a few of the ways I make the most of my caregiving time.
1. Jewelry making
I love making my own jewelry. I plan out pieces up to a point, then while sitting with my mom, I bring in my jewelry box, beads, wire, fishnet string, clasps, wire cutter, and all my other tools.
I spend time finishing different pieces while keeping an eye on my mother.
2. Making scarfs or shawls
Finished pieces are perfect for cold days. I keep my various loom circles in a plastic bag. That way, all I need is my yarn, scissors, and loom needle.
Again, it is a quiet activity that keeps me busy and I can design and create useful items.
3. Sewing doll clothes
Another hobby? I collect dolls of all sizes. I love to make clothes for them or decorate pieces that are already made. I do it all by hand-stitching. (I am afraid of using a sewing machine, plus it makes unwanted noise).
I also enjoy working with jean jackets and adding lace, beads, appliqués, and fabric paints. I have all my materials in a sewing box, along with needles, threads and scissors.
4. Glass painting
Get as creative as you want! I do.
I also have a plastic carrying box that holds items to do a little glass painting, including acrylic paints, brushes, scissors, a water container, and a towel.
5. Designing floral arrangements
The finished items brighten anyone’s spirits, and making floral arrangements can do wonders for you too!
I find all kinds of containers at antique stores or thrift shops. I select the flowers ahead of time.
That way I can work on putting an arrangement together using a floral box, Styrofoam base, glue gun, wire, wire cutters and floral tape.
6. Language learning
Have you ever wanted to learn another language? Caregiving might be your chance.
For the last almost seven years, I have been learning Portuguese through Duolingo, as well as other online programs and college.
I have my IPod in my hands and one earphone in my ear, and I can do my lessons for hours. No one hears what I am doing.
I have become fluent in Portuguese, and I have made a lot of friends located in Brazil, because of this.
These are just a few suggestions of how you can think about using your time while your loved one is relaxing.
As a caregiver, it can be important to ease your mind; it can be therapeutic.
On the plus side, you can think about selling any items you create; maybe even start a small business on the side!
I believe if you change your thought pattern just a little, you can view your caregiving time as an opportunity to have plenty of time to yourself as well.
Have a great time picking up a new hobby or discovering all the different ways you can learn something new while caring for your loved one.
Rita
Follow Rita on:
*Instagram @boztyboo
*Email Rita @ [email protected]
Subject line: Caregiver Rita
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