No two days as a caregiver look exactly alike. This is one of the factors that make a caregiving career appealing to many individuals. Some days may be spent mostly at home doing easy chores around the house, other days may be hectic and having you run from place to place.
Just as your caregiving responsibilities change, so may your mood. Some days you will feel self-assured and capable. Others will leave you doubting your skills. Though unpleasant, this roller coaster of emotions is completely natural. Everyone experiences ups and downs, and getting through difficult times looks different for everyone. However, if you need a quick pick-me-up, read over these inspirational quotes about caregiving. They may give you the new perspective you need to move forward with confidence.
“To our caregivers, you are tender and fierce, you are soft and strong, you are fragile and courageous. Sometimes all in one day.” –Benita Hampton
Benita Hampton is a life coach who specializes in the intricate world of caregiving. Her Instagram page inspires visitors to reflect on the world around them and stay in the present moment. In addition to this quote, her page is full of wonderful affirmations for caregivers seeking an encouraging word. She reminds caregivers that they are multifaceted individuals, sometimes all at once, and that is a powerful feeling.
“Never believe that a few caring people could not change the world. For, indeed, that is all who ever have.”—Margaret Mead
Margaret Mead was a 20th-century cultural anthropologist who made a serious impact with her research on race and sexuality. At its core, her work was about the relationships between people. While this quote is not specifically related to caregivers, it rings true to those who provide care to an elderly loved one. Caregivers make a substantial impact on not just the lives of those they serve, but the entire senior community.
“The purpose of life is not just to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well.”—Ralph Waldo Emerson
Ralph Waldo Emerson is arguably one of the most well-known figures in American history. An essayist, poet, philosopher, and abolitionist, Emerson composed some of the most influential pieces of work deep thinkers still use to this day. To him, life was about making a positive stamp on others—something caregivers do each and every day. Compassion, and making a difference, are cornerstones of caregiving.
“Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.”—Leo Buscaglia
Leo Buscaglia, or Dr. Love, was an author, motivational speaker, and professor at the University of Southern California. Known as a “cheerleader for life,” Buscaglia championed the importance of human connection, love, and how a simple touch can mean so much to a person in need. This rings especially true in the realm of caregiving, where isolation and loneliness can run rampant. Some days, it isn’t the massive chores that mean the world to your elderly loved one. Just being there for them can change the course of the day or week.
“Caregiving often calls us to lean into love we didn’t know possible.”—Tia Walker
Tia Walker is a writer who truly understands the highs and lows that come with caregiving. Whether due to health concerns or otherwise, Walker understands how quickly one may have to fall into the role of caregiver. In her book, The Inspired Caregiver, she discusses how to find joy in the simple things while providing care to another. She also discusses how it can inspire a new kind of love one never thought possible.
“Not all of us can do great things, but we can do small things with great love.”—Linda Brendle
Linda Brendle is a writer who has dabbled in fiction and memoirs—the latter discussing her experience caring for parents falling prey to Alzheimer’s disease. It’s always difficult to watch someone slowly become another person at the hands of this degenerative disease, and this is especially the case for those caring for a loved one. She reminds readers that even the smallest things done with love can have a substantial impact.
“They may forget what you said, but they will never forget how you made them feel.”—Carl W. Buechner
Carl W. Buechner was a legal representative and politician in the mid-20th century. Though his quote doesn’t directly reference caregiving, it certainly rings true to those in this role. In dark moments and positive ones alike, it’s less the words you say and more the feeling behind them that will persist. Even as someone sinks into cognitive decline, your kind words and gestures will help them feel comfortable and content.
Be paid for the support you provide
For many family caregivers, the most difficult part of caregiving is the financial aspect. As your elderly loved one requires support to remain at home, you may have to take time off work. This can cause financial strain and further stress, which impedes on your caregiving abilities.
However, with Home Care Powered by AUAF, you can be paid for the care you provide your elderly loved one. If you qualify for the Community Care Program, we offer you the training you require to offer high-quality support, pair you with your elderly loved one, and get started on your care journey. For more information on our caregiver program, give us a call at (773) 274-9262.