Finding Caregiver Support Online
I started the habit of getting up at 4 a.m. during my most intensive caregiving days. It was the only way I could find some regular peace and quiet because there were no demands at that hour. It was a rare moment when I could connect with my soul and listen to the universe for guidance. These very early mornings to myself were all that kept me somewhat sane throughout my years of caregiving, although some may disagree with me on the success of that last point!
Around-the-Clock Support for Caregivers
Eventually, I learned that I am not the only family caregiver who operates in this fashion. I became an AgingCare.com contributor many years ago, and one of my duties was moderating the online Caregiver Forum. I would receive email alerts whenever people posted on the site, and I quickly noticed that most came in very late at night or very early in the morning. (Late night and early morning are subjective terms, I have found.)
When I signed into my email around 5 a.m., the notifications from AgingCare would string out like a list of people hoping to win the lottery. I was gratified to see this list in my inbox. Not only did I have the opportunity to add my two cents of hard-won wisdom from my years in the trenches, but even more importantly, I was also able to see all these wonderful family caregivers supporting each other in real time.
I would check my email throughout the day as I worked on my computer. In the daytime, there were a few posts, but most of the action in the forum happened in the evenings and overnight. Why is this so? Well, if you think about it, what family caregiver has ample free time during the day?
Caregivers must schedule appointments, provide transportation, pick up prescriptions, run…
Continue reading on Agingcare for more about finding caregiver support online:
Perfect Christmas gifts!
Stay connected with Memoryboard: Designed by caregivers. Memoryboard helps families share reminders, messages, updates, and photos on an easy-to-use screen designed for people with dementia. Peace of mind for families, independence for loved ones.
Leslie Kernisan, MD, MPH, is offering two free caregiver training webinars to people who notice that their aging parents need some help now or will in the future. Sign up now to receive the free newsletter from Better Health While Aging and, if you choose, view two great caregiving webinars that can help you help your older parents (and yourself). Or you can go directly to the trainings page.
Discover the Difference. EGOSAN: The premium incontinence brand caregivers love: They save work! Now Available on Amazon.
Minding Our Elders: Caregivers Share Their Personal Stories: “…This book is for all of us; let it help you cope! Thank you to the author and everyone she spoke with!” …Dolores
