Iakov Filimonov
Nurturing support network
Family caregivers have their struggles. But hopefully, to paraphrase the Beatles, we all can get by with a little help from our friends. What happens, though, when age or circumstance starts diminishing a caregiver’s support network?
Having close friends and family is an important part of life. We spend years building the friendships and relationships that carry through our adult years. Social lives keep people happier and provide us with a safe haven from day-to-day stresses and challenges.
But as people age, friends can start dropping away. People move on or lives come to an end. It’s also not out of the question to see formerly close friends and family members grow distant as caregiving eats into your time and energy.
Maintain Friendships
Watching a social circle or support network grow smaller is never easy, but there are ways to keep growing one’s circle throughout the years. It starts with finding the discipline to reach out and keep nurturing the connection with the friends you have. It’s hard to find the energy, but it’s important.
It’s all too easy for a family caregiver to spend all their time with the loved one that they are caring for, but this is a recipe for unhealthiness. Make the time to go out and see friends or have them visit you. It will reaffirm your relationships and give you a much-needed break from caregiving duties. It’s important for caregivers to care for themselves. It keeps them healthier physically and emotionally.
In the case of friends who have become distant after you became a caregiver, sometimes all it takes is reaching out to become closer again. Whether old friends are still available or not, there is no excuse to not keep trying to develop new friendships and expand your social network.
Get Out of the House
Start by thinking about things you’d like to do or would like to learn. Do you enjoy digital photography? Look for a photography club in your area. Want to try geocaching or, even, pickleball? There are groups for that, too. You don’t have to commit to engaging in group activities regularly, but you can make time when possible. Over time, you’ll get to know the other participants, and they’ll become part of your life.
As a caregiver, you need to take care of yourself physically. Group exercise or yoga classes can help you stay fit and burn off stress. Even a walking buddy can be beneficial. Try to devote what time you can. The simple act of getting out of the house when possible is beneficial.
There are also other options such as attending church, finding a nature club or volunteering for a good cause. There are activities like these that can provide more than physical comfort. They can also nourish you spiritually.
Support Groups
Also consider joining a family caregiver support group. This will help you connect with people who are living your experience now, who understand the stresses and obstacles of caregiving. It’s good to just be able to talk to someone who knows where you are coming from and might be able to offer suggestions or lessons they’ve learned.
And, as we all learned during the height of COVID-19, there are online options and venues for support and socializing, whether it’s about caregiving or playing Scrabble, that can be easily accessed day or night. Keep your mind open to the opportunities before you.
Whether they are old or new, friends are precious resources. So, remember that it’s not a one-way street. Be there for them when you have time. Listen to worries or give a word of encouragement or commiseration. Caregiving can be stressful, but you owe it to yourself not to let it consume your life. There is still time and opportunity to strengthen and grow your support network. Start today.