It’s so difficult to be new to caregiving. You don’t have experience to lean on yet and there are all the “what ifs” that you likely spend way too much time thinking about. Plus, what if you really mess up? If that’s your biggest fear as a caregiver, you need to know that you’re going to make mistakes and it’s okay.
There’s No One Way to Be a Caregiver
The biggest misconception at play when you start to fear that you’re going to fail as a caregiver is that there’s only one way to do this massive job. There isn’t. Your senior and her situation are unique and so are you. There are a million ways that you’re going to be absolutely amazing as a caregiver, if you give yourself the chance to do so.
Being Afraid of Failing Can Keep You Stuck
If you focus on the doubt you’re feeling, that’s going to suck you in just like quicksand. It’s going to make you feel as if there’s nothing you can do and that’s completely inaccurate. Being afraid of failure is going to make you more likely to “make mistakes,” which is just going to become a self-fulfilling prophecy at that point. Don’t let it.
You’re Going to Be Great in Lots of Ways
You’re going to make mistakes. Go ahead and own that from the start. But also own the fact that you’re going to be great at caregiving in so many ways that you can’t even anticipate right now. Each of your successes is going to build your confidence levels. You’re missing out if you’re focused only on what you’re not doing “right.”
Keep Tabs on What You’re Doing Right
One way to keep the focus on how much you’re doing well is to keep an accomplishments list or journal. When you knock something out of the park, write it down. It’s so easy to remember the mistakes or the flubs, but it’s remarkably difficult to remember all the big and little ways that you rock. When you’re focusing on keeping tabs on those things, though, you can go back and look at them and see how quickly the list is growing.
What you’re doing as a caregiver is incredibly difficult and it’s incredibly important. Your elderly family member needs your support and your assistance during this difficult time and you’re right there with her. That’s an incredible thing to do for someone you love.
If you or an aging loved one needs a Caregiver in Rancho Cordova, CA, remember Senior Home Care Services. Call us at (916) 514-7006 for more information.
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