Caregiving and Personal Development

 

Caregiving highlights the best and worst of the caregiver. People with cognitive impairment may exhibit a range of frustrating behavioral problems. These might include communication difficulties, becoming fixated on an idea or constantly repeating a question, aggressive or impulsive behaviors, paranoia, lack of motivation, memory problems, incontinence, poor judgment and wandering. Common causes of cognitive impairment include Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, stroke, Parkinson’s disease, brain injury, brain tumor or HIV-associated dementia.

If you have a tendency toward impatience, dealing with a loved one, an elderly parent or other individual experiencing issues of cognitive impairment, the interaction most likely isn't the easiest. In fact, any personality trait that needs some attention will be accentuated while caring for another person. If you are prone to being short tempered, irritable, moody or any similar behavior, caregiving will bring those traits front and center.

Various strategies can help you deal with challenging behaviors. In many communities, the Family Caregiver Support Program or other community organizations, offer classes and training sessions that teach skills useful in handling troublesome behavior. There you can receive information about your relative’s ability to understand and communicate. Joining a support group also can be helpful place to share your frustrations and discuss coping strategies with people who are in the same situation, caring for their family members or friends. While many support groups meet in person, online and telephone groups also exist.

While it is important to remember that it’s the disease, not the person, causing the behavior, this may be easier said than one.  Being human, this may prove quite challenging.  Anticipating that there will be ups and downs through the illness can provide important perspective.  It helps to maintain your patience. Developing compassion and a sense of humor are great coping skills.  When used, as they are effective in managing difficult behavior. 

Effective coping skills are attained through self-awareness and personal development.  These skills are mastered through practice.  This is true of patience.  Here are some strategies that are worth considering.  

1.  Understand what patience is and is not.

2.  Improve your listening skills.

3.  Accept what is and is not within your control.

4.  Practice mindfulness.

5.  Slow down.

6.  Identify what triggers your impatience.

7.  Keep a journal.

8.  Breathe.

9. Humor and compassion.



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