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What are the Financial Priorities?
November 2, 2009 by mypivotalmoments
What are the Financial Priorities?
The role of the caregiver is one that can overwhelm many. Deluged by a sea of doctor appointments, medicines, medical bills and information flying in from all different directions and sources, the caregiver must prioritize in order to handle the daily grind that the position requires. While handling the everyday responsibilities, it is easy to let finances fall on the back burner; however, preparing for the costs of caregiving is essential. Financial stability is extremely important, as it leads to security in terms of your health. To simplify the finances, one should break down the criteria for identifying the financial priorities. The caregiver should consider two essential categories to spread the dollars over: the patient’s health and the patient’s well being.
The first step is to consider what will have the greatest impact on the patient. When allocating the money, you must consider the health and well being of the patient. S urely that upscale assisted living facility or expensive experimental medicine has their appeal, but will it genuinely increase the health of the patient? Probably not. There are several community resources and outreach programs that can yield the same benefits, some of them being relatively inexpensive. Take the time to research facilities online, or even stop by for a visit. But remember, if it does not serve the best interest of the patient, then it is not worth it. Margery Pabst and Rita Goldhammer, authors of Enrich Your Caregiving Journey assert, “Anticipating your need for assistance and considering options for using this support are keys to your well-being.” The thoughtful caregiver will always place the patient’s well being at the top of the list of priorities.
As the caregiver, it is vital to keep a positive mental outlook. ”In the early stages, you are probably not aware that the caregiving role, if approached positively, will not detract from your normal life. Being a caregiver offers the potential to enhance your life and create well being for the patient” share Pabst and Goldhammer. Factored into the financial priorities, it can be a relief to know that mental and emotional well being does not have to cost any money.
After grueling over a budget for prescription medicines and doctor appointments, the stress factor can rise dramatically. Luckily, there are many free helpful tools proven to help both the caregiver and the patient. Art as therapy is a great resource that has been proven to resolve conflict, manage behavior, increase mental stamina, reduce stress, increase awareness and help to achieve insight. Whether the discipline is painting, poetry or theatre, art accomplishes what many expensive medications cannot.
Taking the time to prioritize may seem like a burden, but in the long run it will reduce the stress of the caregiver, and allow more time for enjoying the caregiving journey. Writers Pabst and Goldhammer state in their book that once the caregiver maps out the priorities of the patient, “priorities for the important things in life emerge.”
For additional information about Enrich Your Caregiving Journey and caregiving, please visit www.pivotalcrossings.com.
By: Lindsay Cohen
November 2, 2009 by mypivotalmoments
Happy National Caregiving Month!! Please visit www.pivotalcrossings.com for caregiving resources!!
October 30, 2009 by mypivotalmoments
will be speaking at the Conference for Volunteerism and Caregiving on December 6!!
October 29, 2009 by mypivotalmoments
pick up the latest issue of Orlando: We Care Magazine. I’m a contributing writer!! Great magazine with lots of caregiving/medical resources!
October 28, 2009 by mypivotalmoments
is gearing up to do her Pittsburgh Today interview on Nov. 16!! Tune in if you can!
October 27, 2009 by mypivotalmoments
is gearing up for November, which is National Caregiving Month!!
October 23, 2009 by mypivotalmoments
is gearing up for her interview on Pittsburgh Today on Nov. 16!!
