THE WORRIED CAREGIVER
I’m not a person who is worried by nature. Since I’ve been a Caregiver, I’ve added worry to my list of emotions, feelings and attitudes.
Because I am single with no children; I’ve never really worried too much about anything or anyone except myself. In business, I rarely had to worry about people or things that could not be left at the office. Worry is not to be confused with concern, curiosity, or compassion, those are familiar feelings.
Worry as a verb is defined as “to afflict with mental distress or agitation, make anxious and to experience concern.” That’s a lot. Add the word “Caregiver” and the worry reaches an extreme level.
Sometimes, I fret about what dish to prepare for one of my Mom’s 3 Meals a Day. I worry about her eating habits and if she’s had enough to satisfy her hunger in addition to providing healthy nutrients.
I often fear that my Mother will fall as she stumbles around while using her walker—which she routinely claims she doesn’t actually need. I worry that one of these times she will fall and not get up.
I am stressed keeping up with the paperwork that is necessary in her life—insurance, medical records, medication etc. I am worried that I will miss a form, document or anything that may prevent her from getting the assistance she needs.
I fuss while trying to control the indoor climate throughout all seasons of the year. I worry that my Mother may be too hot, too cold or in general not comfortable with the temperature in the house. Meanwhile, once she is content, I am usually way too hot. Older people seem to have an extreme need for heat. And by heat, I mean, “hot as hell!”
I agonize while coordinating the various events in her life—medical appointments, senior activities, church and the all-important playdates with her friends. I worry that she is engaged in enough activities and mental stimulation without it being too hard on her.
I am anxious each and every time that she awakens during the night. I am worried about what she is doing, or what she might need.
I am also distressed when she doesn’t get up in the middle of the night wondering if it is because she cannot get up. I worry whether she is breathing and simply sleeping soundly.
Fret, Fear, Stress, Fuss, Agonize, Anxious, Distress are all words used to describe Worry. All expressions that explain the daily (and nightly) feelings of a Caregiver
Worrying can be extremely tiresome. Worry is exhausting for one’s mind. Worry disrupts all precious moments of Peace. Worry can be such a bother!
I am a worried Caregiver!
And with all of this Caregiver Worry, I don’t have the time or energy to even be concerned with my own life.
STEVIE WONDER – “DON’T YOU WORRY ‘BOUT A THING”
https://youtu.be/RxsBc5p-dPU?si=9Dc0CaACzBdn7n74
A CARGIVER’S CONSCIENCE – THE PODCAST “THE CAREGIVER’S HOUR”
https://youtu.be/o2NpBZ-_S6c?si=oJlPWFh-a7P7tAhR
A CAREGIVER’S CONSCIENCE – THE BLOG
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