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The Journey oF A CAreGiver:
APut Yourself First
s women and natural Caregivers, we are especially inclined to thinking that we can take care of everything and everyone, but we have to ask ourselves “At What Cost?” We are reluctant to ask for help or support...perhaps we think it is a sign of weakness or is a display of vulnerability. On the contrary, reaching
out for help is a sign of strength and resilience and demonstrates self-care.
My Mother always told me “You first and everyone else second.” It took me some time
to actually understand what she meant by that and the importance of following her advice as my journey as a Caregiver began for both my parents. I thought I could do it alone without a support system because I had always been able to “handle” challenges that life presented. So what would make this situation any different?
I soon found out the answer to this. The stress and weight that I had placed on myself by attempting to take care of everything on my own was unsurmountable, and I was forced to place the trust in others to provide support to me so that I could in turn support my parents through their final chapter in life.
I have experienced first-hand the ups and downs, the good and bad days, the hopes, the disappointment, the helplessness that comes with being a Caregiver. It is not an easy journey but it is a necessary journey!
Caring for the Caregiver is equally essential as providing care
for the individual in need. Only when we first help ourselves
can we effectively help others. Caring for yourself is one of the
most important, and one of the most often forgotten, aspect of caregiving. All too often we hear of the Caregiver’s health declining unexpectedly. Why is it that we are proactive in having a financial plan and life goals in place, but we don’t place equal importance on having a self-care plan or support system in place if/when the time approaches?
Caregivers and their families are my number one priority, and my passion lies in providing support and services to lighten the load that, not by choice, has been placed upon them. At times, the Caregiver does not reside in
the same city, province or possibly even country which may also lead to additional stress as they are attempting to navigate through a challenging time.
I take great pride in providing Peace of Mind and being a trusted resource knowing that I have their best interest at heart as I have walked the journey of a Caregiver myself.
Wendy moyLe,
speCiAList in Assisting CAregivers
WEndY’S ERRandS FOR ELdERS
Wendy@wendyserrands.com Wendyserrands.com I 780-916-8916
Christina Louise Photography