By: Alima Ali
As a child growing up, many of us had the support of our loved ones cheering us on along the sidelines, “You can do it!” This gave us the extra energy to try harder, be confident and to do better in life. The same concept can be applied to someone battling an ailment of some sort or the complications of aging. Studies have shown that patients in a positive, healthy environment progress significantly better than those in a negative or stressful environment.
When caring for someone, whether a patient or a loved one, it is beneficial to maintain a positive mindset which in turn fuels a positive environment. As you walk into a room, you have the power to control the energy and even dictate
the energy of the people in that room, thus setting their state of mind and mood for the day. Understanding the power you possess and how to harness it is critical when caring for your loved ones. If you have ever been entrusted to care for a loved one, you will find yourself saying, “staying positive is easier said than done”, especially if you were suddenly thrown into the role of a caregiver.
When you first start off, you may be bombarded by outsiders and family members offering their support and best wishes.
Very often you go into it with the mindset that this is temporary or sometimes it’s just instinct kicking in, fuelling your adrenaline. You may lind yourself repeating a new mantra, cheering yourself on, Don’t worry, I can do this!’
However, as time goes by, outsiders and family members start interjecting. critiquing and condemning your level of care. The sudden change in lifestyle hits you, you find yourself reflecting on the past and how different your relationship with your loved one once was. The demands of providing care for your loved one, managing the household and balancing your life increase and are becoming overwhelming.
The emotions set in when you find yourself doing the basic necessities such as feeding or bathing your loved one, the same loved one that was once an independent and fierce individual. You may find yourself slipping into a routine of care and responsibility as opposed to love and affection.
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