Caregivers are Silent Warriors

By Veronica Badowski

Where Do You Get Your Strength When You Feel At The End Of Your Rope?

I feel like a silent warrior, advocating for my aging parents, fighting for services and support that they need, and spending hours on the phone with Medicare, insurance companies, the VA, doctors offices.  I put my aging parents needs and care above my own, to the point where my own health is failing. I lay awake, at night, worrying about many things.

I am tired of people telling me that “God does not give you more than you can handle” or that there are lessons to be learned from the trial and tribulations of life. I have had enough personal growth experiences for 2 lifetimes.

I have learned that people can disappoint you, if you let them. The very people you expect to pick you up, are the ones I find that let me down. I know that many people have disappointed me during my caregiving journey.

I have also learned that people will surprise me. It is not often, but, when someone brings me a meal, leaves me a message of encouragement or stops for a visit ( even when I do not think I could stop for a cup of coffee), these are moments I hold dear to me. These moments, as my journey goes on, gets fewer and farther between.

So, as I write this, I am curious. How do others find strength on their daily caregiving journey to go on?

I like the term “silent warrior”! It definitely defines caregivers.

I do not know if you are aware of it, but, caregivers are the single largest segment of the long term care industry. They amount of unpaid care they provide is well over $370 billion dollars a year.  Did you know that three fifths of the adult population is caring for the sick, the disabled and the elderly.

These silent warriors provide the best possible care to their family members, without reward, payment or even acknowledgment. The family caregiver is considered “the invisible patient” by the health  care industry.

There are many different types caregivers, as there are people. The way they find their strength and continue to fuel their commitment is as varied as the individuals providing the care.

I have started a Faith in Caregiving segment on www.caregiverrelief.com. It is to help those that draw their strength from their spiritual side to find comfort.

I have also found that many find their strength from the little everyday things, a smile, embracing the fact that they have made it through another day.

Many family caregivers have incredible love and commitment to their family members. many find strength in seeing their own family members, sick, frail and disabled get out of bed and live to see another day. For many, that is all they need to continue their caregiving journey.

Others find strength with online and local support groups. Knowing that they are not alone, finding a place to vent helps them.

Please share here on the things that help you find strength and energy to continue on your caregiving journey.