Monday, July 20, 2015

Leeza Gibbons and Caregivers Part II

Now, as promised, I'm continuing with Leeza Gibbons' commandments for caregivers-- in my last post I explained her first commandment was "Take Your Oxygen First":

Commandment 2:  "NEVER ASSUME" -- anything about a loved one without having all the necessary information.  Making assumptions about each other can lead to anger and resentment.

Commandment 3:  "HAVE ONGOING FAMILY CONFERENCES" --  about the roles and responsibilities of everyone involved.

Commandment 4:  "DO NOT ISOLATE" – yourself if you are a caregiver.  A caregiver support group can help you to cope with the stresses.

Commandment 5: "DO NOT TAKE ANYTHING PERSONALLY" – because it isn't about you.

Commandment 6: "PLAN AHEAD/HAVE CONTINGENCY PLANS" – in my book I call this a willingness to be creative and flexible!

Commandment 7: "DO NOT FALL PREY TO SHAME & STIGMA" – if you are a caregiver and are becoming depressed, or have other issues, don't let shame or stigma keep you from getting the help you need.

Commandment 8:  "USE COMMUNITY RESOURCES" – available  in your area and online.  Both the caregiver and the loved one can benefit from the many programs offered.

Commandment 9:  "HONOR SACRED MEMORIES" – the whole family should be involved in preserving family stories.


Commandment 10:  "FIND HUMOR IN MANY PLACES" – sometimes you have to laugh so you don't cry, but any laughter is good for caregivers -- and their loved ones.

for more information visit http://www.leezascareconnection.org/