Whether we’re paid for it or doing it for a loved one, caregiving is rewarding in so many ways. Even the Cleveland Clinic recommends helping others to lower blood pressure, reduce stress, and live a longer and happier life.
We hear a lot about how caregiving is hard, exhausting and isolating for caregivers. But there’s also an upside to caregiving. Feeling a deep sense of reward in the work we do helps us to remember why it’s important and meaningful.
Let’s take a look at why caregiving is rewarding.
Directly Improving A Life
When it comes to improving the lives of others, it doesn’t get more direct than caregiving. As caregivers, we’re providing hands-on help to someone in need. The greater the need, the greater the sense of reward we feel as we support them through the daily obstacles of aging, disease, recovering from surgery and more.
Perhaps you care for someone who has trouble getting dressed in the morning, someone who needs help with their daily hygiene, or someone who can’t make it to an important doctor’s appointment without being escorted by you. As a caregiver, you’re the key to their comfort, health, and safety.
A Deep Sense of Purpose
Is there a deeper sense of purpose than making the lives better of those around you? Whether it’s your loved one or a client, you’ll have the best reason to get out of bed every single morning, because someone needs you.
And according to Berkeley’s Greater Good Magazine, having a purpose in life leads to better health and longevity as well as a decrease in cognitive decline as we get older.
A Feeling of Accomplishment
In addition to having a purpose in life, we feel good when we’re achieving goals and milestones in our work or volunteering. Caregiving is filled with this.
Maybe we finally got our aging loved one to walk around the block, eat a healthy meal, or take their medication without fuss. While these may not seem like “big accomplishments” in the moment, they’re crucial steps in building a happy and healthy life for our loved ones.
Write down and recognize your accomplishments. It goes a long way in being grateful for the work you do and nurturing a sense of reward in your life.
It Changes Your World Views
Yes, caregiving can be transformative to our personalities and the way we interact with the world. If we go into any type of caregiving with an open mind and a willingness to learn we have the opportunity for great reward.
The elderly have so much wisdom to pass down to us from a lifetime of experience if we’re willing to listen. They know the value of patience, the importance of love, and find beauty in many things we take for granted.
When we’re selfless with our time and love, we not only change the lives of those around us but experience inner transformation as well. We can learn to love ourselves better through the care we provide for our loved ones.
The Gift of Time
Whether you’re a professional or not, it’s possible that the care you’re giving to an elderly loved one is freeing up time for someone else. Caregiving is a deeply rewarding experience, but even the most energetic caregivers need a break now and then.
Perhaps it’s a sibling or a client that needs some time to themselves. By stepping in to take care of their loved one, you’re giving them a chance to recharge and provide better care in the future.
Facilitating Aging in Place
Lastly, when you provide care for a loved one you’re facilitating aging in place. According to an AARP study, 77% of adults aged 50 and over want to remain in their homes as they age.
By providing Home Care you’re giving them independence, peace, safety, and more time with loved ones. What greater gift can you give?
Golden Care
Even the most rewarding of experiences may require a break once in a while. And there’s nothing wrong with that.
Whether you need time off once a week or more hands-on care around the clock, Golden Care can provide you with professional and personalized Home Care. We take pride in finding the best fit for our San Diego customers.
Don’t hesitate to contact us today.
