Belonging While Caregiving: Where Do We Belong? – Donna Thomson’s Blog

In the trenches of caregiving, we can feel very, very alone. We may never experience a sense of belonging except in that tiny world of our loved one’s bedside (and possibly not even there).

How can we feel belonging when our caring lives become so immersive and closed within the four walls of home or hospital?

Lately I’ve been wondering if, when and how we feel belonging….

• In our own skin
• With our loved one
• In our family
• At work
• In our friend group
• In our faith group
• In our neighbourhood or community
• In caregiver groups

Do you feel belonging in these spaces? Try rating your sense of belonging (or how comfortable you feel) in each space. Rate your belonging on a scale of 0-3, 0 for no sense of belonging at all and 3 for Feel Very Comfortable and at Home in that space.

What does your rating tell you about how to spend your time and energy within social spaces? What does your rating tell you about support that you might need in order to experience belonging? What are your barriers to belonging? What are your possibilities and opportunities?

Interested in catching up on Donna’s blog? Please visit A Reflection from The Caregivers’ Living Room – Donna Thomson’s Blog.

For further information on how we can support you, please visit our Caregiving Essentials program and our newest course Infection Prevention and Control of Caregivers and Families.