Caregiving with Chosen Family

Caregiving is both a rewarding and challenging journey. While biological family members often take on caregiving roles, chosen family – the people we consider family through deep, meaningful connections – also plays a crucial role in providing support and love.

Understanding the Importance of Chosen Family

Chosen family includes the individuals we trust and rely on, even without sharing blood ties. Relating to caregiving, these relationships potentially offer unique perspectives and dedication that complement the efforts of biological family members.

Consider Jennifer, for example. Despite an unsuccessful marriage, she chose to assist her former mother-in-law. Jennifer recognized degrees of detachment as having positioned her to advocate for her ex-mother-in-law's wishes without influence from the emotions experienced by an ex-husband and his siblings.

The Strength in Chosen Family Relationships

Chosen family members often make caregiving decisions out of love rather than obligation. This love, combined with perhaps a slightly different emotional attachment, contributes to the basis for more objective and balanced care decisions.

As one caregiver shared: "What kept me committed to being the best caregiver I could be was the support of friends and family, as well as my commitment to Jane. I knew if the roles were reversed, she would 'ride or die' with me to the end."

Embracing Chosen Family in Your Caregiving Journey

Here are some practical considerations for approaching the journey with chosen family:

1. Encourage open discussions: Determine the care recipient’s comfort level with chosen family members assuming caregiving roles. Broach the topic gently and gauge your biological family's willingness to accept additional assistance.
2. Define roles clearly: Ensure that caregiving responsibilities are well-defined for everyone involved, including chosen family members.
3. Consider legal aspects: Consult with an attorney when including chosen family in power-of-attorney documents. Specifically outline members’ duties in healthcare directives.
4. Respect boundaries: Be mindful of respecting traditional family roles. Recognize the value of chosen family contributions while maintaining defined boundaries.
5. Encourage collaboration: Include the chosen family in caregiving tasks and decision-making. Leverage their individual experiences and perspectives to more effectively negotiate challenges.

Be open to caring voices outside your immediate family that can provide heartening reassurance and help you navigate the complex emotions which accompany caregiving.

You're Not Alone

Inviting chosen family to participate in the caregiving journey will naturally promote a more robust support system for both you and your care recipient. Positive impacts that evolve from their love, understanding, and point of view may prove invaluable.

If you're ready to involve chosen family in your caregiving plan, consider these steps today:

• Initiate open discussions about caregiving roles with your family and chosen family members.
• Explore legal options to formalize the roles of chosen family members in your caregiving plan.
• Use Caregiven's Care Circle and Care Feed features to keep everyone informed and coordinate tasks efficiently.

Caregiven offers layers of support on your terms. Sign up for our app to access tools and resources that could make your caregiving experience less stressful and more manageable.

With the love and participation of biological and chosen family, you are equipped to traverse this caregiving journey with greater confidence and peace of mind.