Knowing is not enough; we must apply. Willing is not enough; we must do. – Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
An efficient, supportive and understanding caregiving environment is one in which the entire burden doesn’t fall on only one person, but on a team of interconnected individuals. The process of creating such an environment starts with knowing what to do.
But this is only the beginning. It also takes focused intention and the confidence to act, to put what we’ve learned into practice.
By creating a hand-drawn visual illustration of a caregiver’s ecosystem, Atlas CareMaps have provided clarity for many overwhelmed caregivers. Atlas CareMaps promote a deeper level of understanding to the complex caregiving networks many Americans navigate daily. They also enable family caregivers to tell their story from a slightly more objective perspective.
The CareMap is a powerful tool. The CareMap Workshops that we have been piloting in Santa Barbara and across the country with AARP support have helped us to teach many people these skills.
After learning the benefits of creating a CareMap and drawing one to represent specific caregiving realities, it is time to learn how to put the insights into action.
Once you have completed the drawing of your CareMap, a few key questions to ask yourself are: