“It is important not to assume the
care recipient is unable to do anything,”
says Hollis-Sawyer. Allowing the care
recipient to complete everyday tasks
within their capability may help them to
feel independent. The caregiver and re-
cipient should figure out together what
the care recipient is capable of achieving.
Self-care is an important aspect
when you are caring for others. Hollis-
Sawyer recommends the key to self-care
is understanding yourself by writing in
a journal or diary on a daily basis. This
will help you to recognize when you
need a break or when to ask for help to
prevent burn-out.
It is also important to find social sup-
port for both the caregiver and recipient.
There are many different forms of social
supports such as counseling, community
resources, senior centers, friends or other
family members. “These social supports
can help the pair identify both frustra-
tions and triumphs which can optimize
coping strategies”, says Hollis-Sawyer.
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Staying Positive About Your
New Role As Caregiver
Through her research, Hollis-Saw-
yer witnessed many positive effects
of daughters caring for their mothers.
“Daughters learned about their own
aging process which helped them un-
derstand how to prepare for it,” says
Hollis-Sawyer. She also noticed that the
grandchildren benefited from seeing a
role model of good care experience.
The caregiver and recipient often
develop a stronger bond that was not
there prior to their new roles. “There
is much to be gained through increased
self-awareness and learning for all in-
volved,” says Hollis-Sawyer.
Originally published on Grown and
Flown.
Cheryl Maguire holds a Master of
Counseling Psychology degree. She is
married and is the mother of twins and
a daughter. Her writing has been pub-
lished in The New York Times, Parents
Magazine, Upworthy, Chicken Soup for
the Soul: Count Your Blessings and Your
Teen Magazine.
March 2020 WNY Family 41