I’ve signed with the #TheSanDiegoUnionTribune (below is a link to my first column).  I wrote this piece on an experience we had helping our parents make room in the home.  It’s about navigating family caregiving, caregiver support, and finding ways to get the job done.

Learn how to let go of expectations and personal feelings when family caregiving. We also have to find ways to get things done efficiently and safely so that we can get back to living our own lives. This article provides some insight on handling family caregiving and getting a project completed with the least amount of stress so you can enjoy your life outside of caregiving.  Take a minute to read a few tips on not taking things personally, asking for assistance and getting a compromise that works for everyone while meeting the care recipient’s needs.

From My Editor – My Intro:

Veronica Mitchell is a seasoned caregiver and businesswoman in the field of caregiver support. Her advice column is called ‘Ask Veronica– Let’s make caregiving better, together

My First #AskVeronica Column (click link below from the SD Union-Tribune)

Source: sandiegouniontribune.com

Veronica’s Caregiver Support Tip:

Self-Care is the most important thing a caregiver must do daily for themselves and their loved ones to create a foundation of resilience, fortitude, and peace-of-mind. It is the most overlooked component of caregiving and the most important.  Believe me, life gets hard and hard the longer you resist taking care of yourself each day.  I’m talking about even 30 mins each morning and evening to breath and stretch. One hour is something all of us can find in day to help find balance in our crazy lives.

  • Take time for a spa day, special events, hobbies, and things that make you happy
  • Don’t underestimate therapy – it’s good to talk about your fears, concerns, transitions
  • Take time off, ask for help
  • Exercise, getting outdoors and laughter are all the best medicine

We are not usually raised to take care of ourselves before others and that just does not make sense. If you don’t take time for your self-care and make sure that you are healthy, sleeping well and eating right it will be very difficult to care for others. Why be miserable? Take the time to care for yourself first, and you’ll be amazed how much easier it to balance the rest of life.

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