Caregivers unlike any other group experience the heart wrenching question of quality vs. quantity on a daily basis. And unfortunately they must look at this conundrum twice. Once as the person they are caring for is questioning the issue and then again for themselves as they are making decisions surrounding their life.
When we are young this question comes up it refers to the learning and the ability to be productive in our lives. Our family helps us move through this learning and mastering education and personal growth. We are looking to the future and what we can add to our lives. The concept of planning for the closure of our life is not really considered by most until after 40 years of age. Even when giving care in a professional setting our thoughts are honed in on the future, and even if exposed to death it is in connection with ‘someone else’.
The caregiver and the person being cared for usually have conversations regarding the past. Topics like; employment, family, lifestyle and religion are just a few of the conversations which may occur between the caregiver and person when contemplating end of life. When the caregiver is a family member the weight of the conversation is compounded by discussion and lose.
The discussion is a very valid one and in many circumstances is better when had prior to life-threatening situations. The answers and solutions are more easily brought to mind when the people are not faced with a timeline and the bleak resolution of this situation.
Comments