Supporting Caregivers

Posted by chris20 @chris20, May 20 7:37am

I saw this posted on a group forum this morning and thought other caregivers might like it:
Sometimes we just need someone to say:
• "I'm here."
• "That sounds really hard."
• "What do you need right now?"
• "I hear you."
• "Is there anything I can do to help?"
• "You matter."
• "Your feelings make sense."
• "I really care about you."
• "Your words are safe with me."
• "I'm not here to judge."
• "It's OK to not feel OK right now."
• "You're not alone in this, I'm here."
(Quote from Helen Marie)

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Caregivers: Dementia Support Group.

karmar | @karmar | May 20 8:16am

Sometimes just reading this helps my inner self. Thank you,

Becky, Volunteer Mentor | @becsbuddy | May 20 9:19pm

@chris20 Thank you for posting this. I know all of the caregivers will appreciate it!

chris20 | @chris20 | May 21 6:22am

In reply to @karmar "Sometimes just reading this helps my inner self. Thank you," + (show)

Yes, words do have healing power. And prayer as well.

karmar | @karmar | May 21 7:53am

In reply to @becsbuddy "@chris20 Thank you for posting this. I know all of the caregivers will appreciate it!" + (show)

Thank you, I hope so.

karmar | @karmar | May 21 7:54am

In reply to @chris20 "Yes, words do have healing power. And prayer as well." + (show)

I do believe words & prayer, both, have healing power. I hope and pray that it will help others as well.

porfe81 | @porfe81 | May 21 11:18am

Positive thoughts and thanks for posting them. I used to think that Sunday school teachers are "shoe ins" for Heaven. Since then, I now include caregivers too. God's love to you all.

chris20 | @chris20 | May 21 1:15pm

In reply to @porfe81 "Positive thoughts and thanks for posting them. I used to think that Sunday school teachers are..." + (show)

Nice of you to say, but actually some of us are not proud or even satisfied with our caregiving, we tend to be self critical. Seeing and sometimes ruminating in the middle of the night about what we should have done, or what we could do better. I rarely congratulate myself at all, and I have been doing this for nine years. This is why we need understanding from others. Your concern, even though I don't know you, gives me a boost, thank you!

porfe81 | @porfe81 | May 21 1:39pm

The feelings and thoughts you describe are quite familiar to me, and are at the very core of my post.

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boppi | @boppi | May 21 4:57pm

Feeling alone was overwhelming for me when my husband first entered this realm of dementia. Connecting with all of you and hearing your help or struggle is like a lifeline to me and I thank you all dear friends for throwing in the life jackets!