Are you as excited as I am to put 2020 behind you? 2020 brought a whole new level of stress and isolation to caregivers.   Many people became caregivers in 2020 because they brought their loved ones home from hospitals instead of sending them to nursing homes or alternative care settings.  Maybe you have encountered challenges that made you stronger but you want 2021 to be better.  

 What would you like your 2021 to look like?  I am not talking about New Years resolutions here.  I am talking about how to set obtainable goals that will help you achieve a less stressful caregiving experience and your loved one to get some of their life back.   It is possible with the right vision and approach.  First you have to ask the right questions.   Starting with this: 

1. "What do you miss doing the most?"   The answer to this question will give you insight to your loved ones source of energy and joy.  Whether it is an activity that seems impossible to return to or one that seems too basic to matter, this is your first step.  Knowing this will serve as your foundation to encourage more activity that they miss.  Get them visualizing it again and feeling the comfort of the memory. 
2. "What stopped you from doing this?  What got in the way?"   There are a few possible factors that you need to identify: Physical (weakness, pain, lack of access, transportation)   Emotional ( fear, avoidance, guilt, worry)
3. Analyze the task / activity that they have shared with you.  What is required for them to participate in it?  Write down all the aspects as you brainstorm this.  You will need to develop a clinical eye to see their limitations physically.  
4. set an obtainable goal for the closest possible activity that they could perform.  Make it specific and specify a timeframe in which they will accomplish this. 
5. will record their progress with video and photo.  This is powerful.  Your loved o  ne, likely does not see themselves often enough.  A visual reference point will be powerful along with your encouraging words and actions. 
6. Celebrate the success.  Even the goals they reach along the way are worthy of success but the final goal deserves celebration that is shared with other people.  

Once your loved one has achieved their goal, they are one step closer to a more active lifestyle with greater wellness and this means that you, the caregiver, will have more opportunity for wellness.  Engaging in activity is crucial to living out a life of wellness and balance and I know that you will find success by following these steps. 

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