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- TMC No. 05 - Why You Need A Support System
TMC No. 05 - Why You Need A Support System
It does take a village...
VaNessa Duplessie
October 20, 2023
Editors Note:
As we head into the weekend I’m making all the family plans. Things like taking dad grocery shopping and to his activities. As well, I’m taking the 16 year old on a mother/daughter date to see “Nightmare Before Christmas” by Tim Burton in the movie theater for the 30th Anniversary showing.
It’s her favorite holiday movie, and she wasn’t alive when it first came out in 1993 so we’re going. Gulp. That was a long time ago! Somewhere in between I have other chores to prepare for the week coming.
You see… I’m in the middle of a major product launch at work next week, and hubby and I leave Wednesday for 5 days on a trip. While I might want to scream “Calgon, Take me away.” I know everything will be fine. How do I know? Because I set it up that way. I call upon my village and make it so.
If you are just getting started in the caregiving world, I want to encourage you to create your village. I can enjoy myself and relax more knowing that Dad, the dog, the cat, and the kids are fine. And yes, it is mostly Dad and the dog. The kids have a very busy schedule and both drive. The cat sleeps all day. It’s the dog and Dad who need a bit more interaction with someone. I am blessed to have a great house/pet sitter and caregiver set up as well as friends who love to check on Dad. It’s mission critical you work on your village. Trust me on this, it helps with your self care. Respite is key.
Maybe a little Calgon is what we all need. Until next week, take care of you!
VaNessa
How to build a caregiving village:
Caring for elderly relatives and parents can be a deeply rewarding but also is a challenging journey. One of the most valuable strategies I’ve found is to create a supportive village around you and your loved ones.
This village isn't made of bricks and mortar; it's a network of family, friends, neighbors, and professionals who come together to provide physical, emotional, and logistical support.
It's about sharing the responsibility and ensuring that your elderly loved ones receive the care and attention they deserve. It’s what you’d want for yourself when the time comes.
This village approach not only lightens the burden on you as the primary caregiver, but also enriches the lives of the elderly by connecting them with a diverse group of people who can offer companionship and specialized care as needed.
As an only child, I have relied on my cousins, family friends, and paid professional caregivers. Resources are also available in every community, it’s a matter of knowing where to look and find them.
Every state has an agency focused on Eldercare and there are many resources that flow down to each major county. This includes free support that you may be able to take advantage of.
My mom, who I took care of in way or another for over 25 years was a recipient of many great services by people who became part of her village. I couldn’t have done it from 1,000 miles away without them. Everything from caregivers to companionship volunteers that would visit to food & furniture and pet care - resources are available locally.
You can learn more about what is available in your state by visiting this site and finding your local area:
https://eldercare.acl.gov/Public/Index.aspx
Need help with your village? Hit reply and I’ll help you come up with a plan.
“Caregivers need patience and a willingness to understand.”