NEW YEAR--NEW BEGINNING

How do you, as a caregiver, find a new beginning when you are in the midst of fear, helplessness, and overwhelming day-to-day challenges?  One way is to remember that you are vital to your loved one with dementia, but you are also vital to yourself and others.  Your loved one does not need your attention every day.  Let the staff members assume their duties; let your loved one mingle among the other residents.  You also have a responsibility to other members of your family, even pets. And, most of all, to yourself.  For relief, go to a shoppe (I used to visit Straders to wallow in the sights and smells of their merchandise.), schedule a massage, slip into a movie, buy some colorful fingernail polish!  And, try not to feel guilty about taking time for yourself.  That is a tough one, right?  A new beginning for the new year is:  take care of yourself.  As Nike says 'Just do it'.  Hugs from someone who has been there, done that.