"As caregivers, we feel guilty for a million reasons." This was a tough weekend with mom. We are very different in the way we think, the way we approach life and the way we perceive people. When she gets an idea into her head that to me has little basis in reality and she obsesses about it, it's a problem. It's a problem because I get frustrated and angry and it colors our … [Read more...]
Caregiver Self-Care. Taking My Own Advice.
Some self-care resources that don't cost money. I’m going radio silent for a couple of days. No social media, no business emails or phone calls. I have not unplugged like this in years, I’ll let you know how it goes. For the first time in six years, since Dad got sick, I’m taking real time off from my life, all of it, even caregiving. It’s taken a lot of work to set up my … [Read more...]
PTSD & Trauma Caregiving: How to Cope While Helping Your Loved One Heal
Traumatic memories can resurface in a loved one, especially during or after a hospitalization. When our daughter joined our family six years ago via a special needs international adoption, we knew our lives would change dramatically. We knew things would be hard. We knew we’d join the ranks of sleep-deprived parents around the world. We knew we couldn’t do it … [Read more...]
A Dementia Caregivers’ Journey is Long. What if YOU need help from 911?
Ingrid and Pete. I’ve known Ingrid for three years. We met through the United Way of Northern NJ Caregiver Coalition. Initially I knew Ingrid as caregiver to her beloved husband, a person living with dementia. Over the years, I’ve gotten to know Ingrid – a smart, funny, compassionate woman who is a terrific poet and doesn’t suffer fools gladly. Despite caring for her … [Read more...]
What I’ve learned about quality of life when you’re at the end of life, from Buddy, Coal, and Josh.
And yes, these are my dogs. Updated 10_5_20 with a new lesson. I grew up with dogs, so rescuing and bringing them into my home is a no brainer. Because they are family members, yearly physicals, vaccinations, and good quality food is part of the deal. And when illness occurs, you do everything in your power to make them well and hold onto them. Or do you? The first dog I … [Read more...]