Caregiving is not easy, never easy. It requires certain amount of patience—actually, a lot—and it can be a doubting task, most of the time. Paid caregivers are usually trained for such tasks especially those who underwent medical training but majority of caregivers nowadays do it for free and in a rather abrupt fashion, much less a training to prepare them for what lies ahead. Sad but true, many seniors with disabilities are left to rely purely on love and commitment by their loved-ones, not knowing when something will break or change. For me, caregiving takes more than that.
When deciding on who gets the caregiving job, it should always be based on what’s good for the senior, not on who is the most likely candidate. If a partner becomes disabled, it should never automatically mean the other half gets the job, as he or she may not be the best fit to do the job. Making wise and practical decisions early on will save the family a lot of trouble later on. Always go for the ones who can handle pressure and have a head of their own which can stay above water when necessary, if none in the family qualifies, then your senior is better off with someone paid and professionally trained.
Hard as they come, caregiving jobs can be made easier if you know where and when your limitation lies. It is important that you do not lose yourself entirely to the situation posed upon you. Here are some suggestions to make your caregiving life easier for you:
•    Prioritize your health and wellness. Your senior needs you in a sound mind and body so you need to be in a tip-top shape all the time. You don’t need sickness now, more than ever, and no need to feel guilty about it. In order to maintain your health while caregiving, you need exercise, balanced diet and sleep too.
•    Get some breathing room. Professional caregivers know how important it is to have some breathing space to recoup yourself. If you are in doubt about leaving your senior for a while then practice relaxation techniques such as meditation—this you can do without physically leaving your senior. However, it is most recommended for caregivers to step out and smell the flowers sometimes.
•    Organize. This will help you be one step ahead of the situation and balance your life accordingly. Remember that you also have a life of your own which you need to attend to as well. When everything is organized, you are sure nothing will be left out or missed.
•    Join groups and create your own support system. This is very important, caregivers need someone who can understand what they are going through and be able to share valuable advice as well. Imagine a life in an island, alone and weary, that is exactly what a caregiver without friends would feel.
•    Ask help when needed. It is not giving up your pride and ego or accepting defeat, it’s all about you being human with limitations and weaknesses which you think your senior doesn’t really need to suffer from.