Due to Covid-19, the world discovered what caregivers already knew: isolation fosters dark thoughts that easily take us down—often quickly. Pushing back on isolation as a caregiver, however, often requires creativity. Sometimes it is as simple as a Facebook group, but that can only go so far. Regular phone, face-to-face conversations, and, when possible, group events, serve as the path towards healthy engagements.
It’s also best to start slow and avoid pinning our hopes on one individual or one encounter. Isolation often makes our hearts feel “parched” and it’s tempting to “guzzle” human contact. When dehydrated it’s best to sip water slowly and give our bodies a chance to hydrate properly.
The same thing applies to interaction. Avoid making people drink from the fire hose and hear every detail of our journey as a caregiver. Speaking slowly and calmly will ease us into a healthy engagement with others.
Walking with a friend in the dark is better than walking alone in the light. — Helen Keller
Dear Peter – I heard your Caregiver Minute on AFR today, Sunday April 25 and want so badly for my brother to hear it. He is caring for his wife, a stroke survivor and it is so very hard. You talked today about how the handicapped or impaired person lashes out at the caregiver in anger and that is what is happening right now to him. He needs to hear what you said today about that. Can you send it to me in writing, please? I would deeply appreciate it. He is a little hard of hearing so I think a written format would be better. I hope you are able to locate the Caregiver Minute I am talking about. Thank you and God bless you.