Caregiving MBA

Last week, many caregivers responded to my column entitled (CPR), detailing my deeply held belief that each caregiver needs to be respected as the CEO of our Loved One’s Care, Inc. In fact, we are the most vital person in the life of our most significant client - the loved one for whom we care.

So, as any CEO, we not only need to understand the elements of leading our own organization, from dealing with family issues to partnering with home care providers and becoming an equal member of our loved one’s care team to successfully managing financial and government services. A big job, but we are up to it, if we understand that caring for ourselves is actually Job One for any Family Caregiver CEO.

Which brings me to a question posed on caregiver.com from Roger. I think he opened an important avenue for discussing another aspect of becoming a successful Caregiving CEO.

CPR
Always enjoy your writing ! Wonder what else we can learn from your 
entrepreneurship metaphor?!

Roger 

Hi Roger, Thank you for your kind words. There is one business axiom that I think also applies. ( Not that I ever do it!) It is: Pay Yourself First. As a caregiver, what this means is that you need to care for yourself first. Eat well, get sleep, don't isolate yourself, manage stress. And, in fact, it may be the most selfless thing you can do. If you don't care for yourself first, who will step in and take your place caring for your loved one when you take ill (or worse ) due to not caring for you as well as you care for them?

Some of the easiest lessons are the hardest to learn.

What are your thoughts? Share your questions, concerns or suggestions in the comments below