Honor…Dignity…Respect
In 1997 by Presidential proclamation, November was designated as National Family Caregivers Month. Since that time the White House has continued to make the annual proclamation. I was happy to learn this because I know how much caregivers need support! On this page I hope you will find encouragement as you care for a loved one.
My husband and I cared for both our mothers (not at the same time, thankfully) as they neared the end of their lives, right up until the time we placed their bodies in the ground, their journeys over.
I know what a privilege it can be. I also know that it can be like riding a roller coaster with many ups and downs, twists and turns, sometimes leaving you breathless as you hang on for dear life yourself!
My mom had dementia. To look at her you might not know she needed a caregiver. My mother-in-law had more physical maladies rather than mental ones. Two different ladies – both living past 90 years old – both needing different kinds of care.
That is the way with most. Each person uniquely made with their own personalities and abilities to adapt to life’s changes as they age. Each caregiver is also unique. So, no two stories are alike, but there are similarities, and it is those that draw caregivers together.
While caring for my mom, I journaled each day – not much – just a short recap of that day’s happenings, and at the end of each week I sent a summary to my brothers who both live nearly 1000 miles away from me. From those journal entries I wrote my book, “Bringing Mother Home.” In it I detail the realities of journeying together with mom through the fog of dementia. I was gut-level honest about the joys and frustrations of those months when mom lived here with us. You may find my story helpful for your own journey with a loved one. It is available on Amazon in both print and kindle versions.
I hope you will come back to this page. I want to share tips and helpful resources for you on your journey. And I welcome your questions and comments on my contact page. And don’t forget to check the resource page for Senior Living connections.
TIPS: Don’t try to go it alone. Reach out. Ask for and accept help!
Find and join a caregivers’ support group.
Read some of the good available resources, such as The Caregiver Resource Guide and Biblical Caregiving Principles by Charles Puchta; How to Care for Aging Parents by Virginia Morris.
Article: When Caregiving Ends … What Now?
Article: Caregiving Conundrums
Article: Caregiving Lessons Learned Along the Way
 
Reaching, Encouraging, Connecting 