What are your priorities when planning for your future care?

In this episode of Your Future Self we introduce you to our Social Pillar of Care.

All too often, and unnecessarily, caregiving is a lonely undertaking for you and your loved one.

Over time and all too often, caregiving breeds isolation. Loss of social outlets and limited interactions with family and friends are common which can lead to depression and despair.

While caregiving can be hard, there are great joys too.

Our Social Pillar will provide you with the tools to help you stay connected to your hobbies, your friends, and your family and how to create a care team to help alleviate some of the caregiving burden and maintain those vital social ties.

Download Your Future Self Social Pillar of Care tips for this episode HERE

Summary

In this episode, hosts Christopher MacLellan and Monica Stinchula discuss the social side of caregiving and the potential hazards of social distancing. They explore the impact of caregiving on identity and perception of danger, as well as the concept of compassion fatigue and emotional bankruptcy. The hosts emphasize the importance of moving forward after caregiving and taking care of one's social self. They also discuss the changes in relationships that occur during and after caregiving and the five stages of grief. The episode concludes with a focus on rebuilding social connections and engaging in self-reflection.

Takeaways

• Social distancing can lead to a potential hazard of cutting oneself off from others, emphasizing the importance of maintaining social connections.
• Caregivers often lose their identity and purpose in the midst of caregiving, and it is important to prioritize self-care.
• The caregiving experience can impact one's perception of danger and lead to feelings of numbness and desensitization.
• Compassion fatigue and emotional bankruptcy are common among caregivers, and it is important to recognize and address these issues.
• Moving forward after caregiving involves rebuilding one's life and social connections and taking action to create a fulfilling future.
• Rebuilding social connections is vital for caregivers, and it is important to nurture authentic relationships that provide support and companionship.

Chapters

00:00

The Potential Hazards of Social Distancing

06:26

Losing Identity and Purpose as a Caregiver

09:00

The Impact of Caregiving on Perception of Danger

13:14

Compassion Fatigue and Emotional Bankruptcy

16:20

Moving Forward After Caregiving

18:26

Taking Care of Your Social Self

22:11

Relationship Changes After Caregiving

24:25

The Five Stages of Grief

26:01

Moving from Acceptance to Action