An Open Letter to My Future Caregiver
Have you ever wondered what your future care will look like?
Being a millennial, one might ask “Why would you be thinking of that? You’re young!”
But there’s something about being a young Millennial caregiver, and working in the field of aging care, that makes you think..
Think about your future.. Think about your loved ones.. Think about planning for care.. Think about preparing to care..
All. The. Things.
As many of you know, November is National Family Caregiver’s Month. And all month I am recognizing caregivers & Millennial caregivers.
The unique thing about Millennial caregivers is that the vast majority of millennials take on this caregiving role with little to no notice or support.
More than 10 million millennials have been thrust into this unfamiliar territory of caregiving, unexpectedly.
And you know what happens once you take on this caregiving role at a younger age? You begin to think about your own life and your own aging process.
As a millennial, I have been both a family and professional caregiver and I have seen firsthand how critical it is to prepare for the future.
So, it all got me thinking: If I could write a letter to my future caregiver, what would I say??…
Dear Future Caregiver,
My name is Ashley. Some call me Ash.
Loved ones call me Snoopy, Lucy, Danielle, or Undie.
I value the relationships with those who call me those last few nicknames.
And that is what I want you to know about me.
Family, friendships, and community are all very important to me.
When I am down and out, connection is important.
When I’m not as engaged because it’s been a rough care day, family and friends can cheer me up. I love to laugh. I love to sing.
And I love to spend time with my dear loved ones.
I also enjoy good cuisine. I mean goooood cuisine.
Food is nourishment to my soul. Food is also connection to my culture.
I am proud to be a Black woman and my heritage is important in all aspects of my life.
So of course my favorite food is soul food. And if you don’t know what “soul food is,” or how to make it, please engage with someone who does.
I also like Mexican cuisine, pasta, and chicken.
My favorite dessert is cheesecake or sweet potato pie.
Sweets are my favorite, so please do not deprive me of them as I age.
If my memory fades away, we may be able to connect by food alone.
Growing up, I also used to dance and was the feature majorette at my high school.
I traveled across the country with a competition dance team and won big trophies.
Remind me of this if I forget. This shaped my young teenage years.
When I became an adult, I was brave and moved across the country to explore and grow on my own.
I accomplished receiving two degrees and worked in a field serving others as a social worker.
My passion is supporting and serving others. This may be helpful in my care routine in the future.
When it comes to personal care, it may be tough.
I pray I never need total care, because I may resist. I am a highly independent person.
I believe in having free will and personal autonomy.
So, this will be so important as I receive care from you.
Please try to involve me. I want to be independent as much as I can be.
Treat me with respect. Uphold my dignity. Honor the person I am today.
Lastly, I love the Lord with all my heart. I am not the person I am today without my spiritual relationship with God.
I am here because of God’s grace.
Please find ways to intertwine my faith within my care.
This can be done by singing gospel songs, reading scriptures, & praying with me.
Now, I know you are not perfect and that is okay.
I thank you so much for caring for me and sacrificing yourself, your time, and your energy.
We are in this together. We are a team now. Collaborate with me on my care journey.
Love always,
Ashley