What policy makers need to know & hear from those on the front lines

Happy New Year and welcome to 2022 – yay! As we dive into this new year, I am excited to see our Keeping it REAL Caregiving family and platform grow.

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Each of us has a story

Each of you has a unique experience when it comes to caregiving.

Why is it important to remind you of that? Because as more of you jump into the mix and share your stories, the more KIRC can amplify our voices.

The more we can provide REAL examples of our challenges, hurdles, and successes, the more we can point out to those crafting policy what works and what does NOT work.

Sharing can also highlight gaps in service needs. Basically, we’re helping each other (remember when that was thing – just helping someone)?

Courtesy: Adobe Stock

Your comments reveal there is NO one size fits all and we (our society) must address that these stories are reality for millions of Americans.

I believe it also shows the need to say THANK YOU and recognize more of you for the work you do to help others!

REAL Caregivers sound off

*Some comments have been edited for grammar, punctuation & brevity*

Several KIRC readers shared that the work of a caregiver feels to them more like a life mission fulfilled:

“Im taking care of 18 covid patients in my shift alone , for 128 days- no day off. Caregiving is my life ❤️❤️❤️” ~RM

“love my job. GOD called me 33 years ago. All my life I always liked helping others; making sure others were ok. I realized it’s called a ‘calling’ on my life. WOW the lord has blessed me into caring for our disabled, elderly, sick and shut -in. He puts me right where there is a need. I love the mission that our lord has placed me on. Last year I was blessed to earn caregiver of the year of 2020 out of 1,900 caregivers …

I’m humbly grateful. What I bring on this beautiful journey is a lot of love, patience, kindness and understanding…” ~VB

Others expressed the role is a necessity; and one that has taken over their lives.

For those who believe caregivers are exaggerating how tough it can be and believe the work is nothing more than spending your days watching television with an elder, playing cards or going for walks… think again. Caregiving can be a life-altering reality.

“I started caring for my mom a year ago in our home. It takes a lot out of you, it’s stressful and tiring but I love my mom more than anything in this world and I don’t trust nursing homes.” ~TA

“I am a at home care giver for my 74 year old mother and an 86 year old veteran. Plus my 31 year old disabled daughter. Hard work 24/7, only get about 12 hours of respite per month.” ~CR

“I have been the sole caretaker of my dad 24/7 for the last 14 years, with absolutely no help from anyone. I’m tired.” ~DT

We must also remember that the role of caregiver (professional or family) is not always one that is seen as a positive or a blessing.

I can recall times during the final two years of my mother’s life in which the work of caring for her was pulling me under. That does not mean I didn’t love my mother immensely, because I did. I miss her every day.

However, that did not erase the fact the day-to-day physical, financial, logistical and emotional challenges of her care were sometimes overwhelming.

Courtesy: Adobe Stock

So consider this when individuals take on this kind of work if:

  1. You don’t and have never had a good relationship with your person.

  2. You do NOT have the emotional wherewithal to handle the task.

  3. You just do NOT want to be a caregiver!

You can see how an individual in these scenarios could simply hate every moment of their existence. Keep in mind, none of us has the right to tell that person they should feel otherwise. The experience is different for everyone and every family has it’s own dynamics.

“We all aren’t caring for a loved one that cared for us. I think we need to acknowledge this isn’t every caregivers reasoning process to caregiving.” ~CC

The point here… be mindful of what I said at the start: one size does not fit all.

Until next time~

Julia

*Upcoming events*

*Sunday, January 2, 2022 – 10 AM Pacific/ 1 PM Eastern (virtual)

Keeping it REAL Caregiving Sunday Coffee Chat & Support Hour

Grab your favorite cup of coffee or tea and get ready to ‘re-set’ for the new year!

*Friday, January 21, 2022 – 10:30 Pacific/ 1:30 PM Eastern (virtual)

The Master Plan for Aging First Anniversary Summit (California)

Join us to celebrate what we’ve been able to accomplish together in this first year and learn about what’s planned for the year ahead.

*Tuesday, January 25, 2022 – 10 AM Pacific/ 1 PM Eastern

Measuring Health Equity: Building a U.S. News Health Equity Index for Hospitals and Health Systems

This webinar is part of Healthcare of Tomorrow, a virtual event series from U.S. News & World Report for hospital and health system executives and other industry leaders to discuss common priorities, best practices and perspectives on the future of the country’s health system and care delivery.

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*Header Image Courtesy: Adobe Stock/Premier

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