It’s us against the disease One of my philosophies is that even though one person physically has the disease, caregivers and close family also “have” the disease. Therefore, it influences and changes many parts of daily life. That said, the care recipient bears the brunt of the burden on the physical level and often endures…
Caregiving is full of issues, big and small. Some are common, like adapting to using equipment or perhaps a change in living arrangements. Whenever life presents us with change, it’s natural to feel resistance. It’s “one more thing” that reminds us we’re in a shifting landscape when we’d rather be in a predictable circumstance. A…
“Everyone told me to take care of myself. I didn’t even know what that meant.” My caregiver friend expressed a sentiment I have heard many times and felt for myself. I believe we offer that phrase to others with the best intentions not appreciating it can create more confusion. In the mix of the “doing”…
In my previous article, I covered 5 things you never knew about caregiving. It’s a useful read, whether you’re a new caregiver or already experienced. After writing that article, I wanted to introduce myself to you and elaborate on my own experiences as a caregiver throughout my life. Caregiving seems to be in my DNA….
May is stroke month. Here’s how to tell if someone is having a stroke. Act F.A.S..T. F.A.S.T. is a quick and easy way to identify if someone is having a stroke. F.A.S.T. stands for face, arms, speech, and time. Some of the common warning signs include drooping of one side of the face. On the…
Spring is a great time to breathe new life into our homes. We feel a renewed sense of energy to take in more light and clean our spaces. One area in particular that can use a refresh is the kitchen. We change our eating habits with seasons, so it’s the perfect time to poke through…
“Quiet” caregiving might involve driving to appointments, picking up groceries, medications, the mail, or taking out the trash.
Where I live today, the temperature is currently -8 F and feels like -29F. (For those on the Celsius scale, that’s -22/-33, respectively). While I know this will pass, I also know that in 6 months, it can be just the opposite, with heat as a risk. With every extreme weather event, my thoughts are…
“Does this situation need my love or my judgment?” I wrote this on a small sticky note that’s on my bulletin board above my desk. My apologies to the source, one of the many trainings or webinars I’ve been on in the past year or two. It’s one of those phrases I needed to hear…
You’re so tired you can’t see straight.” This was the observation from my dad when I was on edge, irritable, and irrational. I heard this message on and off throughout my youth. I’d love to say that it’s a trait I’ve outgrown but it’s a bit of my hardwired nature. The good thing is when…
