Providing care for a family member can be challenging and difficult at times. But individuals who were interviewed about their experience of caregiving (during or after the fact) often report some surprising beneficial results and observations.
People who choose caregiving as a profession do not do so with the sole objective of making a living. It takes a special person to choose a career to care for, support and provide assistance to a vulnerable population of strangers who reside nursing homes, memory care units, assisted living facilities or in in-home hospice care or private homes. Despite the difficulties associated with this profession, caregiving at any level is a rewarding profession.
As you browse through the various reasons listed below, you will realize that caregiving is indeed a rewarding and inspiring vocation. Some of the benefits and rewards of providing care to a loved one at home or to someone who is not a relative might include:
- You will discern who your real family and friends are.
Being a caregiver can be lonely. There are those who are willing to accompany you on your caregiving journey. A few people will remain your true friends. They are the people who are going to listen to you talking about the hard times you encounter as a caregiver. Also, they’re going to celebrate the rewards of caregiving with you. You will acquire a true understanding of friendship when someone is there for you in rewarding and difficult times. Caregiving enables you to appreciate friendships and reinforces them even more.
2. You become confident in your capability to handle anything.
Caregiving mandates you have the ability to perform and serve in many diverse roles. Communications may include physicians, nurses, case managers, attorneys, and physical therapists. You may learn to administer medications, assist with mobility and accomplish daily routine tasks. Caregiving will mold you for all disciplines of life, whether at work or as a parent
3. You will come to a true realization of what really matters to you.
When my mother had a stroke, I knew that one day I would end my time with her. Faced with this fact, I reassessed my priorities. I realized I wanted to spend as much time as I could with her. I realized I wanted to do something significant for a job if I were to work 40 hours a week. I was required to understand that my job was not always pleasant and that it could have an effect on the world. This influenced the choices I made and led me into today’s life.
4. You will also improve your own life.
Providing care and ensuring the wellbeing of another person, loved one or stranger, provides the opportunity to improve your physical and mental health and build confidence in your ability to navigate life in general. Caregivers are motivated to use their time wisely to ensure tasks are completed timely and that loved ones are safe and secure in their environment. The mere fact that someone else is well taken care of because of their efforts gives caregivers a renewed sense of confidence in their life.
5.Caregiving keeps you grounded to humanity.
Caregivers openly face the fragility of human life on a daily basis. Some full time caregivers find themselves in an isolated situation and unable to come and go about life freely. They understand the importance of maintaining their own physical and mental health while providing care for their loved ones. Caregivers know that (even though it seems unending) life is brief and there is an innate understanding of what is truly important in life. People who care for a loved one come to the realization that time should not be squandered or wasted because life will change.
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