The Joys of Being a Home Caregiver

Taking care of a loved one can bring its own rewards

To say caregiving is an act of selflessness would be a gross understatement. Taking up such a responsibility out of love doesn’t make it any less grueling. Being a home caregiver can often feel like you’re being pulled in a million directions at once, and since there tend to be no set hours, you can feel like you are always working. Usually, there are no days off, and many days can end up being less than great. All of these elements can become emotionally taxing, and a caregiver can quickly lose sight of why they undertook the journey in the first place.

But before you go turning in your halo (honestly, it requires divine strength), here are a few reminders of the joys of being a home caregiver. 

The Good Days

Being a caregiver is a mixed bag of good and bad days. Whether due to mishaps from lack of mobility or the constraints associated with dementia or Alzheimer’s, the bad days can seem unending. But the good days are epic. Having these days makes the whole process worth it. Seeing your loved one in high spirits, happy and comfortable generates a special feeling that cannot easily be described or duplicated.

Giving Back Is Healthy

A study conducted by the Greater Good Magazine-Berkeley highlights that giving back activates regions of the brain associated with pleasure, social connection, and trust, creating a “warm glow” effect. Researchers also believe that acts of kindness release endorphins in the brain, producing the positive feeling known as the “helper’s high.” Despite its many challenges, helping care for someone you love can release these positive feelings

Improves Relationships

Caregiving requires a lot of time spent with the person you’re caring for. This is the perfect time to break down any walls and explore the realms of the relationship. Many people regret not fixing or expanding on relationships with loved ones when they pass. Being a primary caregiver gives you the ideal opportunity to bolster a relationship that will leave you with happy memories. 

Caregiving may be challenging, but the joys are worth it. Don’t waste precious time focusing on doing the job; focus on the unique experience and all the pleasures it affords you. 

Mass Care Link offers many services that can help you leverage the joy of caregiving. Sign up today and start your journey to a more fulfilled life.