|
Helping an adult maintain their independence is an unpredictable journey that can unfold slowly or suddenly and has a variety of twists along the way. The shared nature of the caregiving relationship can provide many rewarding, cherished experiences and can sometimes feel stressful.
Depending on the situation and other factors, we may change or use a mix of personality traits to navigate life. Similarly, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to being a family caregiver or a perfect caregiver. Everyone does the best they can on their personal journey.
Below are a few general grouping of traits and tendencies, ways they may play into the caregiving experience, and ideas to consider when you feel challenged or overwhelmed.
The Take-Charge Personality
- Can be highly organized, ambitious, extremely driven, impatient, overcommitted, time oriented, meets or exceeds goals and challenges
- Focuses on maximizing their time, money, and energy
- Susceptible to micro-managing
Caregiving brings about a variety of challenges in expected and unexpected ways. Also, a mismatch can occur between each person's perspective about what help is needed. Despite the best intentions, it can feel as if your efforts have backfired.
If you’re noticing a take-charge tendency dominating your approach and feel frustrated or stressed, try focusing on empathy and dignity as the goal in the caregiving task you’re trying to accomplish.
A little flexibility in your caregiving approach can pay big rewards for managing your stress and preserving the gift of quality time with the person you help.
The Go-With-The-Flow Personality
- Usually rides the ups & downs of life with little stress
- Less urgent approach toward completing tasks
- May be “lax” with organizing
The unpredictable nature of caregiving can be sometimes stabilized with organization in addition to flexibility. Taking time to organize can help avoid oversights that may have significant consequences and stress for you and the person you help.
For people not used to experiencing stress, it may take longer to identify stress which may prolong the negative effects.
An organized plan of care, list of conditions and associated medical providers and medications, important phone numbers, and health care directives, etc. can proactively reduce the likelihood of stress that may creep up on the usually, laid-back caregiver. Organization can also make it easier for someone else to cover responsibilities for a brief or extended amount of time if a break is needed.
The Timid or Shy Personality
- Typically avoids confrontation
- Comfortable with others being in charge or leading
- Doesn’t want to bother others
Monitoring or providing an adult's personal care or being the primary contact for medical care are personal and sensitive matters. Helping someone with these or other sensitive areas of life may feel uncomfortable and difficult. It’s common to feel overwhelmed by the discomfort and it's an opportunity to think differently about your role.
Focusing on the other person needing your help can reinforce your sense of ability, commitment, and the partnership aspect of caregiving. Settling into helping someone maintain their independence can build confidence for both of you.
Being a quality advocate for yourself and others, when needed, is a key component of managing stress and honoring the person you are helping.
Resources:
Barriers and Moving Forward
Caregiving & Personality Article
(newsletter source information)
Kitsap Public Health District website for locations and scheduling.
Phone and email support through Kitsap Public Health District for people needing help with scheduling a vaccine appointment or are homebound and need mobile vaccination services:
The Washington State Department of Health also maintains:
-
Vaccine search tool for locations by zip code.
- Information Hotline at 1-800-525-0127 and press #. Language assistance is available.
- Local Testing Site Information for Kitsap County
- At-Home Testing Kits for those with Medicare Part B
- At-home Tests Ordered Online; Delivered to Your Door (no cost, regardless of insurance):
Also, you may ask your your insurance company about a list of pharmacies eligible for reimbursement for at-home tests you paid for, or to obtain free at-home tests.
From Medicare.gov coronavirus information page: Medicare covers the vaccine at no cost to you. You can bet it is a scam if anyone asks you for your Medicare Number to get access to the vaccine. If someone calls asking for your Medicare Number, hang up.
Here’s what to know:
- Don’t share your personal or financial information if someone calls, texts, or emails you promising access to the vaccine for a fee.
- You can’t pay to put your name on a list to get the vaccine
- You can’t pay to get access to a vaccine.
Scammers may use the COVID-19 public health emergency to take advantage of people while they’re distracted. Guard your Medicare and Social Security cards/numbers and check your Medicare Summary Notices for errors.
Report suspected Medicare fraud or stolen card/number by calling Medicare at
1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).
Resources
Local Caregiver Support
Choosing Care in an Adult Family Home or Assisted Living Facility
Long Term Care Resource Book-English
Long Term Care Resource Book- Other Languages
|
