Blog

An Open Letter to Caregivers: From an Outsider’s Perspective in Delray Beach

January 21, 2020
An Open Letter to Caregivers: From an Outsider’s Perspective in Delray Beach
 

Dear Caregiver,

We see you; and we thank you for all you do — for the big things and the small things.

Thank you for recognizing and easing pain; we know that you must be suffering in silence from your own.  We know that the loved one you care for can’t always accurately describe, or show theirs; But you are there anyway. How grateful they must be to have you in their life.

Thank you for every prescription you pick up, for the countless doctors’ appointments you drive to and/or sit with someone else at, for feeding someone else, for getting them dressed and ready to take on the day, or ready to sleep at night. Thank you for going above and beyond, and for selflessly putting their needs before your own; even if the loved one you are caring for sometimes forgets who you are, or what you mean to them. Each day you give a piece of yourself to another person. How thankful they must be to have you in their life.

Thank you for taking on the most difficult job. Being a caregiver is not easy. You sometimes watch your loved one in agony, see them go through medication side effects, or process emotions that come and go as quickly as the day feels long; we know that every day feels like the longest day. YOU are STRONG. You are a shoulder to lean on for all around you, even when you really need your own. How blessed they are to have you in their life.

Thank you for taking care of someone, knowing all the while that in the end you will have no return on investment but grief. Greif is the price we pay for love. We know that you feel like your new identity is “a Caregiver.” But one day this role will end; and you’ll struggle to find your new purpose.

We want you to know that it’s ok to take a break when you need it. And, to let us help you find solutions to make your life easier; and recognize the beauty there still is in life outside of this role. Allow others in. Remember that you can still be just a spouse, child, treasured family member, or friend.

So step outside to breathe the fresh air every day, find another caregiver to help so you can enjoy a night out with friends; put your trust in someone you know will care for and respect your loved one as much as you do.

We are here to listen when you ask, and step in when you need. We know the world feels heavy when you think of those final moments together; but always remember: How fortunate you are, to have someone worth dedicating your life to.
 
With love,
Your BrightStar Care® of Delray Beach Family

In the greater Delray Beach, Boca Raton, and Boynton Beach area, we know that family caregiving is often an unpaid, and thanks-less job; not done out of obligation, but out of love! Whether you’re a caregiver who is going it alone, a caregiver who has asked for help, or a caregiver in the middle seeking resources like our free Home Care Planning Guide; know that you have options and resources to help you! The key to being the best caregiver you can be, is remembering to take care of your own health. Though it may seem like an unattainable and far-fetched goal, taking care of yourself is the only way to ensure that you’ll be around to continue taking care of your loved one!

BrightStar Care of Delray Beach® knows how overwhelming the responsibility of finding quality care can be; and we know that healthcare is never "one-size fits all." Each member of our team is committed to delivering A Higher Standard of Care for each and every family in our Community. We believe it is our mission to ensure you and your loved ones have all the tools and information you need to make the best decision for your family. If you are a family caregiver, know that it is okay to ask for help from an accredited Agency such as BrightStar Care of Delray Beach® if the physical demands become too much. If there’s anything you need at any point in time during your decision-making, please do not hesitate to contact our team; able to be reached 24/7 at 561.921.0550. We strive to be the reliable, dependable force you and your family count on when it comes to seeking a higher standard of homecare.