Mary Beth Bialick, LISW
Caregiving is never ending.....we spend our lives caring for ourselves or others. From a first beloved doll or toy to a dog or cat we all have experience in caring for others and ourselves throughout our lives.
Being a caregiver for someone with PD magnifies the experience of caregiving. I hope to write a bit monthly on the many, many aspects of caring for others and for yourself!
As mentioned in Maureen's blog post last year, the internet and library and magazines are filled with caregiving articles and lists and tips. Finding the time to read them all is overwhelming. I am planning on taking one caregiving tip a month and exploring it. I have a number of tips to share over the coming months but will start with one I find helpful and mentioned often in support groups:
Write out and carry a list!
In this busy life having a list can be a lifesaver. Jot down a list of what needs to be done each day from picking up medications, to trimming toenails, to filling the car with gas. Keep a pad and pen handy and update the daily list as tasks come to mind. I find a daily calendar, either paper or on your device helpful, but a pad of paper on the kitchen counter can be the very best visual reminder and accessible when you need to quickly write something down .
A list can help keep things manageable and the satisfaction of crossing off a completed task is sure to bring a sense of accomplishment and a little sign of satisfaction.
Sometimes simple things that are very familiar and obvious just need to revisited and appreciated to make life easier.
Until next month, Mary Beth