BEING A CAREPARTNER( continued)
Moving on— making a new life after caregiving
Inside the circle of grief is the resolution, which the theory calls Recovery. Recovery means learning to live apart from and in spite of the loss. What can you do to help yourself arrive at this place of Recovery, or“ Now what?”
Take Care of Business
• In view of the multiplicity of your losses— the loss of a dear loved one, the loss of your role and perhaps identity, the loss of much that filled your days and your mind— please, allow yourself time before plunging into the tasks of sorting through belongings, settling finances, passing on personal items, and managing family business matters.
• Delay making major life changes, such as selling a home, moving, or leaving a job.
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Take Care of Yourself
• The basics: Nourishment, hydration, rest, exercise, relaxation breathing or meditation, and making and keeping doctor and dentist appointments.
• Exercise: Regular exercise contributes to improved circulation, flexibility, sleep, and sense of well-being.
• Breathing: Breathe in through your nose while counting to four, then exhale through your mouth to a count of four. Repeat 5 to 10 times.
• Accept offers of companionship and help from others.
• Rediscover what you enjoy.
Interact with People
• Perhaps you will want to or need to reconnect with people that you may not have seen frequently during your caregiving days and years.
• Reach out to trusted friends who will listen to you and support you in your grieving process and in building a new life.
Develop Daily and Weekly Routines
• Take time to figure out how you might want to spend your newfound time.
• Take small steps toward the goal of establishing new routines, activities, and interests.
• Structure at least a few days a week around a particular activity, class, job, or volunteer responsibility that gives you purpose and meaning. Perhaps schedule an activity where others rely on your presence.
• Volunteering: Many organizations offer volunteer opportunities on weekly schedules and also as one-time events. Consider how much time you might want to give. Decide whether you want to utilize your professional expertise or try a new area of interest. Think about location: Is it important to you to volunteer in a particular neighborhood, such as close to home or work? If you choose, you can even find volunteer jobs that you can do from your own home, such as recording audio books or making phone calls.