The Importance of Being Chosen in Caregiving: A Personal Reflection on the Role and Prioritizing Your Own Wellness

liveblueconsulting
Jul 3
3 min read

Disclaimer: Not Medical Advice. Opinions are my own based on personal experience.

Caregiving is a role like no other as a wellness provider, it is all encompassing. One where you are often not just applying for a job, but chosen—selected by the person whose needs and vulnerabilities you will care for. For those who provide care to seniors, this privilege comes with deep responsibility, emotional investment, and, at times, the weight of exhaustion. It’s a role that blends love, patience, and intuition, and it can be both immensely rewarding and draining.

The Power of Being Chosen

In caregiving, especially when caring for a senior, there’s a unique dynamic that sets it apart from typical jobs. You are not merely filling a vacancy; you are becoming part of someone’s world, their rhythm, their comfort zone. Your client is not just hiring you—they are choosing you. And this distinction is significant. When someone chooses you, the bond that forms is deeper, more intuitive. It’s not about your resume or skill set, but about how you make them feel in their most vulnerable moments.

I’ve noticed that within the first month of working with a client, they often subtly "choose" me—not in words, but in how they respond to my presence. When I meet them where they are emotionally, when I remain calm and intuitive to their needs, it creates an unspoken understanding. As caregivers, we sometimes call this the "need behind the need," where we sense what isn’t directly said. When we tap into that, the experience of caregiving becomes a partnership—a shared journey of trust, care, and comfort.

The Dark Side of Caregiving: Burnout and Pressure

The other side of caregiving is the toll it can take on your own well-being. As much as you give out love and energy, there are moments when you feel drained, stressed, or even resentful. It’s normal to feel exhausted from the constant emotional labor, and it's important to acknowledge that burnout is a real and present danger for caregivers.

This week, in the news, I heard two stark reminders of just how dangerous burnout can be. In both cases, caregivers snapped under pressure and harmed the seniors in their care.

These tragic incidents serve as a grim reminder that even those who care deeply can reach a breaking point. We are all human, and there are moments when stress and frustration build up, especially if we’re not properly taking care of ourselves. It’s not about being perfect—it’s about recognizing when we are slipping, when our "ehh" energy is off, and ensuring that we step back, breathe, and recharge.

Ask for help so you can recharge.

The Importance of Self-Care

Self-care is not just a buzzword—it’s a necessity for caregivers. How can we care for others if we neglect to care for ourselves? As caregivers, we must create space to recharge, reflect, and heal. In those moments of burnout or fatigue, it’s essential to pause, step away, and nurture ourselves.

For me, self-care often looks like connecting with nature, slowing down, and finding moments of peace. Whether it’s taking a walk in the fresh air, stillness on water or sometimes my own personal chaos on the water, these acts of self-care have profound effects on my ability to show up for my clients and myself. It’s in these moments, the ones that don’t require any grand gestures or conversations, that I rediscover my energy. When I show up calm and collected, when I am present for my client—not just physically, but emotionally and mentally—we create a safe, peaceful environment. And that’s when the true magic of caregiving happens.

I’m often asked what Live Blue Consulting is all about, and the answer is a little deeper than just a business. It’s about creating balance, connection, and well-being in a world that too often overlooks the importance of mental, emotional, and physical health. Like any business, I've had to adapt and find my rhythm, but one thing has remained constant: the heart of Live Blue is meeting people where they are, in their unique journey, and offering tailored support in their time of need.

A Holistic Approach to Wellness

My background in wellness is diverse. From personal training and seniors' active living to Girls Coaching, Diabetes Care and Natural Nutrition, I’ve learned that wellness isn't one-size-fits-all. It’s about understanding each person’s specific needs and providing them with the tools and space to live their best lives, regardless of their stage in life.