CHHS Gerontology Program: The Role of a Care Partner

By CHHS Media
Gerontology student internship

 

Care Partner Survival Tips

 

The amazing team from our Gerontology Department has put together a list of resources and tips for taking care of your older loved ones. Care partnering for an older adult can be wonderful AND challenging at the same time. The care partner role is not often a short-term opportunity. Therefore, it is IMPERATIVE that you take care of yourself. As RuPaul says, “If you can’t take care of yourself, how you gonna take care of anybody else?” The Gerontology Program offers five (there could be A LOT more) tips for being a care partner:

  • Take a break (Walk the dog, step outside, do what makes YOU happy).
  • Ask for help (delegate, hire help, find resources – see below).
  • Talk with others (You do NOT have to do this alone).
  • Laugh (Let’s face it…some of the most challenging situations are hilarious!).
  • Give yourself some grace (No one is perfect at this. You don’t have to be).

Resources we like: Family Caregiver Alliance, Caregiver Support Network (Google them), Friendship Line – 888-670-1360 (unload your frustrations on an empathetic stranger!).

Gerontology student internship 2