New Year's Resolutions for Medically Complex Families

As the new year approaches, many of us aim to make resolutions to improve our lives in some way for the upcoming calendar year. For families with medically complex children, the challenges and demands of daily life may make it difficult to set traditional resolutions.  

However, there are still ways to set goals and make positive changes for the new year that will impact both you and your family for the better. Below are 5 goals to strive for as a medically complex family for the year 2023. 

1. Prioritize self-care. Caring for a medically complex child can be physically and emotionally challenging, so it's important for caregivers to take time for themselves to recharge. This could mean setting aside time for relaxation, exercise, or activities that bring joy and fulfillment. 

2. Seek out support and resources. Caring for a medically complex child can be isolating, and it's important to connect with others who understand the challenges and triumphs of this journey. This could be through online support groups, social media accounts, in-person support groups, or seeking out resources such as respite care or financial assistance. 

3. Organize and streamline daily routines. Caring for a medically complex child can involve a lot of coordination and planning. A resolution to organize and streamline daily routines can help to reduce stress and make daily tasks more manageable. This could involve creating a schedule, creating systems for medication management, or simplifying meal planning. 

4. Seek opportunities for fun and enjoyment. A resolution to seek out opportunities for fun and enjoyment can help families to find moments of happiness and relaxation amid the demands of caregiving. This could involve planning outings, trying new hobbies, or finding ways to incorporate fun activities into daily routines. 

5. Focus on effective communication. Effective communication is key to effective caregiving, and a resolution to focus on communication can help families to navigate the challenges of caring for a medically complex child. This could involve setting up regular check-ins with healthcare providers, finding ways to effectively communicate your child's needs to others, or working on strategies for managing stress and conflict within the family. 

Overall, the new year is a great time to set goals and make positive changes, and there are many ways that families with medically complex children can do this. Whether it's prioritizing self-care, seeking out support and resources, advocating for your child's needs, or finding ways to bring joy and relaxation into daily life, there are many ways to make meaningful improvements in the upcoming 2023 new year.