CAREGIVING IS.....

Being a caregiver is one of the most important jobs there is. A caregiver makes a commitment to assist in improving a person's quality of life. Without caregivers, many people, including me, would not survive.

Caregiving is 24/7. It is a never-ending sometimes thankless job, Caregivers are tired, but caregivers never have the right to yell at their clients, make them feel ashamed when accidents occur, or not assist them with their needs in a timely manner.

Caregiving is being empathetic toward a client. Understanding that they did not choose to be disabled.  They do not like to have to rely on other people to live their lives. They are grateful for the care they are given. Clients should never be made to feel like they are a burden. Or that they are bothering their caregiver.

How can a client respect their caregiver when the caregiver tells them to stop talking, they do not have to talk.to them, and answer their client's questions. Questions must always be care-related. Not even a simple inquiry about the weather is allowed. Caregivers who desire respect need to give it to their clients as well.

A caregiver should never tell a client that they do not care. They should never call clients names or curse at them. Clients are aware that a caregiver can always get another job. The client only gets one life. When a caregiver makes statemates like these, more than once, the message they are sending to their client is that the client does not matter

Caregivers should ask themselves this question. Would they want their loved one yelled at or disrespected in any way by the person assigned to care for them? 

There are many awesome caregivers. Caregivers who work tirelessly to serve their clients to the best of their ability. If you are cared for by one of them. appreciate them. Do not take them for granted.

Caregiving should be done with respect and empathy. Maybe just a tiny bit of love. That's what caregiving is. It's a two-way street. It may be difficult to respect a caregiver when the client is told to stop talking. Just keep trying. Take it one day at a time.