Value-Driven Caregiving: A Framework for Confident Decision-Making

You're feeling stretched between work and family commitments while your care recipient's needs grow. No matter how much effort you make, the situation continually creates overwhelm and uncertainty.

It's moments like these when your values can serve as a guiding light for the next decision.

By identifying and prioritizing core values, you're capable of making choices that advocate for what truly matters to you, leading to more confident and fulfilling caregiving. This process, known as values-based decision-making, can help you manage complex caregiving circumstances with clarity and purpose.

Caregiving Conflicts and the Toll They Take

Personal values are the fundamental beliefs that guide your actions and decisions. They represent what you believe is important as well as influence your behavior and attitudes.

For example, you value independence but need to make decisions that require your care recipient to accept help for safety reasons. Additionally, you prioritize family time, but caregiving responsibilities are limiting moments with your children. These dilemmas are emotionally draining, leaving you conflicted and anxious. When you’re feeling this way, seek to utilize core values as a compass.

Understanding and Identifying Your Core Values

• Compassion
• Integrity
• Family
• Independence
• Respect
• Empathy
• Honesty
• Reliability

1. Select your top three values.
2. Determine why each is significant.
3. Rank these three from most to least important.

Applying Values to Caregiving Decisions

• Identify the Decision: Clearly define the dilemma you're facing.
• List Options and Outcomes: Define all possible choices and their likely consequences.
• Evaluate Alignment with Core Values: Consider how each option reflects your priority values.
• Consider the Impact: Think about the short-term and long-term effects on everyone involved.

For example, consider the decision whether to hire in-home help or manage care alone:

Approaching decisions methodically will allow you to determine which resolution best aligns with your values.

Let's put values-based decision-making into practice using a simple activity:

1. Choose a minor caregiving decision you're currently facing (e.g., balancing a cherished hobby with time dedicated to caregiving).
2. Recall the top three values you identified earlier.
3. Establish two potential choices for this decision.
4. For each choice, rate how well it aligns with each of your top three values (scale of 1-5).
5. Reflect on the ratings and write a brief explanation of which choice feels most aligned with your values and why.

Use this exercise as a foundation for making more significant decisions in the future.

Sign Up for the Caregiven App

Practicing values-based decision-making can transform your caregiving experience. By consistently honoring personal values, you'll find greater sustainability and fulfillment in your role. Each decision is an opportunity to align with principles you highly regard.

Be kind to yourself. Caregiving is challenging, and it's okay to prioritize your own well-being. Treat yourself with the same compassion you show your care recipient.

We invite you to sign up for the Caregiven app to access information and resources that empower you to make confident, values-aligned choices relevant to your unique caregiving situation.