Goals for Caregiving

Being a caregiver has been one of my favorite jobs. I work with people with developmental disabilities in groups and one on one.

For one of the young men that I work with, I wrote out some goals for our time together that I find helpful for making sure he and I both have a great day. These goals can also be used for self-caregiving. They are:

1) Learning

While all of the caregiving goals in this article involve some degree of learning, this one pertains to the accumulation of knowledge and skill. Devoting time to practicing a talent or studying a subject of interest is important for self-development, confidence, and brain health. Choose a time when everyone is awake and alert and spend time learning.

2) Exercise 

This goal is helpful for making sure everyone is awake and alert! Daily exercises nourishes the body and the brain. There are many options for being active from taking a walk to hitting the gym for some weights to playing a sport. If exercise is a preferred activity, it can be a great way to pass time.

3) Community and Social Interaction

Introvert time is important and a form of care; however, sharing the wonderful people you and/or people you care for are is equally important. Going out into the community for errands, service, entertainment, etc., is important for contributing to and forming community and connections. Go out and about! Being involved in an organized group or organization such as a church, sports team, or service/activity group is also recommended, as it provides a guaranteed way to engage in social interaction.

4) Therapy

Most people would benefit from some sort it therapy, whether psychological or physical. Make and keep regular appointments with practitioners that help you and those you care for reach their goals and be their best.

5) Meal Time

Don't skip eating (or hydrating)! Taking time to fuel the body is important. Learning about dietary preferences and foods that taste and feel good is also a great opportunity for growing in self-knowledge and making the day happy rather than hangry.

6) Fun

Including a preferred activity in the day balances out working hard and can also be used as a reward and motivator for working hard.

7) Rest

Running around learning, working, and playing all day can be exhausting. Spending time lounging, napping, sitting, meditating, praying, etc., is also an important way to maintain balance.

Conclusion

When planning the day for yourself and/or someone you care for, it can be helpful to set goals and intentions. The goals listed here are a great place to start, but they are by no means exhaustive. Care for self and others is ongoing and ever changing, and it's important to be patient when goals are set but not met and to be open to change when the need arises. Cheers to you and those you care for, and I wish you the best and lots of rest. 💕