On Being a Positive Caregiver: An Interview with Veteran Caregiver Carol Bradley Bursack

According to the National Alliance for Caregiving (NAC) and the AARP Public Policy Institute, approximately 17 percent of Americans care for an adult. According to the same sources, a caregiver’s health appears to deteriorate over time and as burdens rise. Staying positive is perhaps the hardest challenge of a caregiver, especially over time. There is no one more equipped to tell us how to do that than veteran caregiver Carol Bradley Bursack. She has spent more than two decades caring for a total of seven elders. This experience provided her with her foundation upon which she built her reputation as a columnist, author, and consultant. Carol is as passionate about supporting caregivers work through the diverse challenges in their often-confusing role as she is about preserving the dignity of the person needing care. “Throughout the years, I felt pulled toward sharing my story with others because at the time caregivers were nearly invisible to the broader world,” she told me. “Caregiving of varying sorts has defined my life and still does, so passing on what I’ve learned is a natural progression.” The wisdom in her writing extends beyond caregiving. It can be applied to any situation, especially dealing with depression, anxiety, or a chronic illness. She teaches us how to approach life with a bit more flexibility, forgiveness, and compassion. Therese: You’ve written on how to avoid burnout as a caregiver. What would you say are the most practical steps to tak...
Source: World of Psychology - Category: Psychiatry & Psychology Authors: Tags: Aging Caregivers General Interview Mental Health and Wellness Stress caregiving Optimism Self Care self-compassion Source Type: blogs