052. Caregiving: from Burden to Blessing

There are 48 million caregivers in the United States, according to a 2020 AARP report – and they’re mostly for seniors. The documentary “It’s Not a Burden” by Filmmaker Michelle Boyaner takes a look at this section of society by showing families that care for their parents. Despite their various backgrounds, there are common themes that emerge and lessons to hold dear as you navigate this scenario.

Senior Services Expert Lori Williams gives her review of the film and important takeaways to apply to your own life as a caregiver. She also connects it to her 15 years of helping families support the seniors in their lives.

Topics discussed:

- Caregiving statistics

- Family caregivers

- Aging parents

- Dementia

- Hoarding

- Helping hoarding family members

- Caring for dementia sufferers

Takeaways from this episode:

- The 4 types of family caregiving situations include the sandwich generation, the guilt-ridden caregiver, the hoarder, and the complicated relationship.

- The ‘sandwich generation’ caregiving is when someone is taking care of their kids as well as their aging parents.

- Guilt-ridden caregivers feel caregiving is their top priority and that no one can help them.

- Hoarding is becoming increasingly common. Family members are often embarrassed, ashamed, and worried for their loved one’s safety (i.e. risk of falling).

- With complicated caregiving relationships, there may be trauma or resentment toward the family member you’re caring for, which makes it difficult to be a caregiver.

- Grace and humor will get you through caregiving. It’s difficult, but it can be rewarding with the right mindset.

- Don’t forget to take care of yourself as the caregiver. You can’t care for others without caring for yourself first.

- If you feel overwhelmed, there’s help and resources available to you.

'It's not a burden' documentary:

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=gzmeUnOITSY

Dementia journey from a daughter's perspective:

https://www.loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/aging-in-style-podcast/episode/77cb0bff/008-dementia-journey-from-a-daughters-perspective

Senior Housing 101:

https://www.loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/aging-in-style-podcast/episode/78876793/005-senior-housing-101

Fall Prevention with Jackie Archer:

https://www.loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/aging-in-style-podcast/episode/792ce4fd/020-a-conversation-about-fall-prevention-with-expert-jacque-archer

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