Volunteering

"Over 90 million Americans do some type of volunteer work, and studies show that those who do are less anxious and depressed, and actually live longer, than those who don't."  Dr. Joan Borysenko

We who are caregivers for someone with dementia probably did not 'volunteer' for the job.  Most likely it was thrust upon us; however, there is a piece of volunteering in it for all of us.  We could abandon the person, we could say 'no', we could step aside and let others or some system take care of the person.  But, for some reason, we did not avoid this responsibility; so -- in some aspect, we do volunteer.  I volunteer to drive 4 hours (total) to pick Dwane up and take him to medical appointments.  I volunteer to see him, call him and arrange outings for him.  I would not have to do any of these things, and neither would you have to.  But, we do.  So let us also take the benefits that come from volunteering.  According to Dr. Borysenko, volunteering is a proven way to reduce stress because it reduces the tendency to self-absorption.  Let's take the benefits; we deserve them.