You Are Not Alone: Caregivers Share Their Experiences
Long-term caregiving can be isolating and lonely, which is why peer support is so vital to a caregiver’s mental, emotional, and physical health. More than a decade ago, I searched for other caregivers with whom I could share my journey and discovered that connecting was difficult. This experience led me to write “Minding Our Elders: Caregivers Share their Personal Stories__.”
Thankfully, during this past decade, because of technology along with other awareness efforts, caregiver support has exploded with resources and professional help. Still, caregivers long to connect personally with each other and share, on an intimate level, what they’ve learned. The stories below are examples of that sharing spirit. Caregiving will change your life both positively and negatively, but these caregivers make it clear that you don’t have to go through it alone.
Being a young caregiver: While all caregiving has its commonalities, being a young caregiver has its own unique challenges. Being thrust into a caregiver role at a young age, when my mom had a debilitating stroke, I was faced with all the “common” caregiver challenges, but at a time in my life when it was least expected. I immediately left my burgeoning career, my apartment, and my friends to move back home to care for her. Innocence is lost when surrounded by sickness and a sea of responsibility. I felt so alone; even though my friends and family tried to be supportive, they could not relate. Once tragedy strikes, freedom and innocence are hard to get back. Being a…
Helpful Tools:
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, has opened up support! View two free caregiving webinars that can help you help your older parents (and yourself).
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
Wetness indicator and alert to help manage incontinence with dignity. SenecaSense Home: Discreet Support That Restores Comfort and Confidence
