November Is National Family Caregivers' Month
BOSTON, Nov. 5, 2013 /PRNewswire/ — Accidental, unplanned caregiving is a harsh reality for millions of Americans who find themselves caring for an injured, sick, or elderly loved one without warning or preparation.
Once thrust into the role, caregivers face daunting challenges as they commit their time, money, and energy. Caregiving Without Regret™ Expert A. Michael Bloom published "The Accidental Caregiver's Survival Guide" to offer soul-saving tips to sustain caregivers so they can overcome stress, sidestep burnout, and provide high quality support for the long term.
"When duty calls, the caregiver selflessly jumps right in to support a loved one in need without hesitation and puts other parts of their life on hold or on the back burner," said Massachusetts-based Bloom. "Ever increasing numbers of family caregivers actually support more than one person at a time such as children with special needs, elder parents, and siblings or spouses struck by a catastrophic illness."
Given the complex needs of their loved ones, caregivers often experience a decline in in their own health, increased stress, and are at great risk for burnout and depression. Bloom's book offers practical support for family caregivers to provide sustainable care with confidence, determination, and balanced attention to their own needs.
"Caregivers are primarily concerned about the well-being of others and are often filled with remorse for things they have done or said during periods of stress and resentment. In addition, many family caregivers experience regret for career or life enhancing opportunities they rejected that would have brought satisfaction to their own lives," he said.
In "The Accidental Caregiver's Survival Guide," Bloom offers practical coping strategies for family caregivers to recharge their energy and provide care without regret.
One recent reader, Allie Axel, said that "If you're feeling stifled—like you can't breathe under the heavy weight of medical crises, family conflict, or fear, you have made a wise choice to read this book. You're not being led by Michael Bloom's words—you're being empowered to lead yourself. "
In "The Accidental Caregiver's Survival Guide" caregivers discover ways to:
- Release the fear of not being good enough to meet the intensity of a loved one's needs and gather strength to deal with the emotional rollercoaster associated with the caregiving journey.
- Overtake conflict by communicating calmly and clearly with a loved one and other family members as everyone copes with the situation at hand.
- Achieve buy-in by motivating others, including non-supportive family members, to willingly contribute based upon their individual abilities, preferences, and talents so the loved one receives the most satisfying support possible.
- Deliver greatness and become the inspiring caregiver that people cheer for and gladly support in meaningful ways.
- Magnetize and motivate talent by creating an atmosphere that attracts and retains the best people to join the loved one's care team, and experience brilliant performance.
- Access and trust caregiver instincts and intuition to advocate effectively for the loved one.
- Put chocolate in the pill box. Find ways to fuel the caregiver's soul so she or he can thrive during the demanding journey and develop the passion and purpose for life beyond caregiving. Take regular doses to avoid burnout while creating enduring satisfaction and success.
Bloom served as primary caregiver for his parents in their final years, and his book honors their legacy. As a sought after speaker, workshop leader, and coach, Bloom has influenced hundreds of caregivers to embrace effective tips, tools, and coping strategies to avoid burnout and provide quality care without regret. The book opens the door for even more people to benefit. His aim is to inspire and train fellow caregivers to care for loved ones in a way that leaves room for joy and freedom in their own lives. He recalls that it took just about every ounce of his being to care for his parents and not lose himself in the process.
"I can now reflect on my caregiving journey as soul fulfilling and transformative," he said. "I provided care without regret and supported my parents to age in place and die with dignity in the comfort of their own home."
For more information about the book and about Mr. Bloom's speaking and consulting services, go to:http://www.theaccidentalcaregiverssurvivalguide.com/
About Caregiving Without Regret™ Expert A. Michael Bloom
A. Michael Bloom has helped to revitalize the careers of hundreds of family and professional caregivers with practical, tactical soul-saving coping strategies and support them in saving lives—including their own. He welcomes invitations to share his life and soul saving message at conferences, conventions, and trainings worldwide. To make purchase his book, visit "The Accidental Caregiver's Survival Guide."