The Power in Caring: Stepping in Where Others Don’t Even Think to Tread

A caregiver, medical psychotherapist, and author of The Caregiving Wife’s Handbook reveals that to move “from experience to empowerment,” one must first recognize that his or her experience has value. Every caregiver has experienced something that calls out for improvement or change. Empowered acts can be as simple as monitoring the food choices hospitals offer our loved ones and reporting deficiencies. Yet, caregivers avoid discussing difficult issues and may be unable to communicate effectively about needs and/or solutions. Learned communication is the key to achieving what we wish, simultaneously creating the best possible relationships with those around us. Six easy steps, along with tips and tools, are given to help collaborate and create agreements.