For many caregivers, this care responsibility they took on regardless voluntarily or not, required them to take hours off work, or even leave their jobs or put their careers on hold. - 123rf
Being a family caregiver is an all-consuming task that demands not just time, energy and emotional resilience but even a carer’s career.
Caregivers often find their lives entirely consumed by looking after the well-being of their loved ones, leaving them very little room for personal pursuits or future planning.
But what happens when the caregiving chapter comes to a close? Whether due to recovery, relocation to professional care, or the passing of a loved one, the end of caregiving can leave family caregivers facing a daunting question: What’s next?
Looking back, moving forward
Usually, the first thing that comes to mind would be some self-care and this could include rediscovering one’s personal identity. There are many things one can explore, such as engaging in lifelong learning, or going forward to volunteer and advocate for communities who are in need.
Taking time to reflect on the caregiving experience can be an important part of moving forward. Writing down thoughts and feelings in a journal, creating a scrapbook of memories, or sharing experiences with others can help process the emotional journey of caregiving.
Reflection allows former caregivers to acknowledge their efforts, celebrate their strengths, and identify lessons learned from the experience. These are textbook methods of self-care.
Reality, however
However, there is, of course, a more realistic side to the end of a family caregiver’s responsibilities, especially when it arrives at the peak of their careers.
For many caregivers, this care responsibility they took on regardless voluntarily or not, required them to take hours off work, or even leave their jobs or put their careers on hold. This not only strains income but impacts their growth in their careers.
Once their caregiving duties have ended, re-entering the workforce or exploring new career opportunities becomes a priority, but also a challenge due to prolonged absence from their jobs.
At the Malaysian Association for Social Care Professionals and Homes (MASOC CARE), we receive many messages from ex-family caregivers, who are looking for a career direction, often following the passing of their care receivers or their loved ones.
Many family caregivers, especially those who still have fight left in them seek to fit back into the workforce and in doing so they aren’t able to prioritise self-care to process the end of their care-giving life.
This is much to do with their physical and financial survivability, since the care process and possible bereavement, seldom comes with a small price tag.
Hence this brings us to think about how we can aid family caregivers in rediscovering their career journeys and dealing with their grief.
While it is natural for one to first try to reintegrate back into their previous jobs (prior to their caregiving responsibility), it could pose a challenge.
From care to career
Alternatively, family caregivers could consider prsuing the work they have been doing with their loved ones: Caregiving.
This comes with a unique set of skills, including patience, problem-solving, the ability to handle stressful situations, and most importantly, being able to provide caregiving - a skillset that Malaysia is severely lacking. Caregiving is one of the fastest growing industries in Malaysia, with our population already an ageing society, so why not venture into caregiving as an alternate career?
Kickstarting a career in care
Family caregivers, despite their experience, may not be properly trained or certified for a professional career, but there are various pathways to get a professional qualification in caregiving.
With the correct skills, techniques, mindset, and attitude, one can pursue this much needed career as a caregiver or even become a trainer, work in care centres, and other roles in the senior care industry.
By improving caregiving standards as a profession, you can help bring about positive change for future caregivers, ensuring that we all have the support as we age.
This includes family members, and even children, so they all could have a better, easier, and more fulfilling caregiving journey.
The transition from being a family caregiver to navigating a new chapter of life is filled with both challenges and opportunities.
It’s important to remember that this transition is a process, and seeking support from friends, family, and professional resources can lead to personal growth and new beginnings. This article was contributed by The Malaysian Association for Social Care Professionals and Homes (MASOC CARE). For more information on courses on caregiving for seniors, go to https://www.masoc.care/kaigocaregivingcourses or contact 011-3301 9681.
