What are the impacts of a Nostalgic Caregiver?

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The Nostalgic Caregiver looks at their Loved One remembering those special past experiences and memories. You desire to return to an earlier time in life by wishing things were back the way they were.

While few caregivers voice their sentiments for fear of how others will receive it. I believe that most caregivers do have this fleeting thought at some point during their journey.

Qualities of a Nostalgic Caregiver

Nostalgia has a tendency to be like a natural sedative. With each memory it provides an escape and longing to go back to these past experiences and a desire to hold each moment close. While nostalgia can provide a warm memory in occasional moments. Repeated patterns can lead to not accepting your reality.

Nostalgic Caregivers are:

• Reminiscers.
• Positive Thinkers.
• Triggered by sensory stimuli.
• Story Tellers

As your loved one is suffering, you might find peace and joy in your memories and stories. On those tough days, hold those stories close and it can provide you with your purpose or reason in life right now.

What are the impacts of Nostalgia

Nostalgia can be a good and a bad thing. The good comes from those wonderful memories that keep you going and reinforces why you care so passionately for your Loved One. But it can also be a bad thing because you spend more time yearning for those past days and not wanting to face reality. Here are the impacts of Nostalgia:

• Depression
• Frustration
• Loneliness
• Grief
• Denial
• Worry
• Caregiver Stress

It's important you recognize and watch for signs of Caregiver Overwhelm during this time of change and adjustment. Some of the early signs are:

• becoming irritated or angry
• feeling overwhelmed or constantly worried
• noticing health issues like high blood pressure, heart palpitations, headaches, body pain or more
• difficulty sleeping
• trouble concentrating

It starts with:

• letting go of your guilty feelings and remember that you can have bad thoughts and still be a good caregiver.
• stepping outside of your perspective and separate your thoughts. This will reduce your anxiety and stress.
• being open to not being perfect and learn what works for you.
• knowing you'll figure it out and allow yourself time to adjust.
• appreciating the joy in your new normal.
• getting help you need to adjust to your new normal.

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