Fear is generally the first shockwave right after receiving the devastating news.
- Fear is often tied to:
- a lack of education, resources, support,
- the caregivers own internal story around personal limitations,
- past and current circumstances,
- racing thoughts that cause them to forecast catastrophe.
- As fear implodes into either denial or worry, it can result in most any of the PCEs
- Essential that the caregiver moves from fear into a solid understanding of what is expected along with the best- and worst-case scenarios
- Fear is mitigated by a plan of action and resources.
Getting on Top of the Stuff that Scares Us: Check-in Questions for the Caregiver?
- What are some of your own feelings?
- How do you separate your stuff from the loved one in your care?
- What is working for you?
- What is motivating you?
- What does it mean to you to be “The Best Caregiver?”
- How can you move past your feelings of inadequacy?
- How can you take care of yourself in the interest of doing the best thing in your role as a caregiver?