Valentine's day is a holiday when our loved ones remind us of how much they love us. What about dementia caregivers who are giving love through caregiving but often not receiving the gratitude back because of the disease of dementia?
It falls to the dementia caregivers to be good to themselves this Valentine Day. Hard to do but
here are a few things to think about:
1. Remember that caregiving for someone with dementia is not all negative. Remind yourself of the difference you are making in the quality of someone's life.
2. Ask for a little help. I know this is hard to do because you think, "shouldn't they know what I need" but they don't! So ask someone to give you a bit of time for yourself.
3. Use your respite from your caregiving duties to do something just for you--read a book, take a nap, get a manicure or just sit and look at the trees, whatever makes you relax a bit.
4. Call a friend and invite them over for a Valentine's Day lunch to keep you company.
Readers, what other ideas for celebrating Valentine's Day do you have to share?
I had to laugh at your title. My Valentine's post (at www.mothering-mother.com) could have used this title as well--but trust me, it's a different slant on "self love!"
Chocolate always works, doesn't it?
Happy V Day to all you caregivers. Your hearts and big--and your love doesn't go unnoticed.
Posted by: Carol O'Dell | February 14, 2008 at 09:37 PM
Carol: We will be sure to check out your take on this same topic! Thanks for writing, Sue
Posted by: Sue | February 16, 2008 at 02:38 PM