Consider asking for help to avoid burnout – Caregiver Acknowledgement

A Navy chief petty officer once told me, “Wherever you are, it is what you make it.” This note is to support the caregivers in the community, encouraging them to savor and appreciate themselves in their current consequences. Whether a task is easy or hard, it is often a function of motivation (loving or caring or practicableness), knowledge or experience and return or benefit derived from the endeavor. Take a moment to reflect on why you do what you do.

There are lots of aphorisms that can apply to caregiving — “In giving, it is receiving.” “You get out of it what you put into it.” “It’s a labor of love.” Do these resonate with you? If not, how could you consider framing your work to fit these paradigms?

Another is: “People often give what they want to receive.” It is kind of a kin to the golden rule. “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”

So, give yourself a pat on the back, acknowledge that your caregiving is not only helping others, but also yourself.

One last thought — since we caregivers are the ones who people go to for help and we get a sense of accomplishment and gratification for our efforts, we often don’t think about asking for help. When I cared for caregivers in my practice, I always thanked them for the opportunity to feel good about helping them. I encourage you to think about learning to ask for help. We all could use help. Consider getting help to avoid burnout and give others the opportunity to feel good about helping you.

There are lots of resources for us from Washington County or the state. The websites www.washingtoncountyor.gov/davs and https://oregoncarepartners.com offer a plethora of information and support!

By Paul Zulak, Beaverton Committee on Aging member. Learn more about the BCOA at www.BeavertonLibrary.org/BCOA.