One thing I have learned while caregiving, is not to expect a lot.
For instance, if I do this and that, they will be happy. Nope. This expectation just leads to resentment.
Once in a while, my dad appreciates, while other times, he doesn't.
What are your tips for other people? 🙂
1. Know your caregiving limits. If you get to the point of burnout, hopelessness, anger, you've gone too far in your caregiving. It does your LO and yourself no good in continuing under these circumstances. Seek help either at home or a care facility.
2. You can't do it alone. There comes a time in a caregivers life that the job is more than they can handle. Before it gets to that point, reach out for help to care agencies.
3. There is no Users Manual. Caregiving is all OJT. Because all caregiving experiences are different, no one can tell you what's next. You have to be willing to adapt, create, empathize, forgive, etc., etc., etc.
4. Expect the unexpected. Don't anticipate your LOs behavior.
5. Become educated in your LOs disease. Becoming educated thru books, videos, online sites and support groups is as close to a users manual as you will get.
Every LO's disease is different and every caregiver's experience is different. Play the cards you're dealt and be willing to say, "I give up, I can't do this anymore".
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I would say only do what you feel comfortable doing. You can’t change his behavior.