New Members
Most active members
Group Management
Sponsored links
Caregivers
Many of us have had the role of caregiver forced on us or one we embraced voluntarily. No one prepared us for this awesome task. This group is for those who care for others and need to find a source of support, encouragement, solace and rest.
Recent Messages
Let's Get Pro-active!
Hi Everyone - I'm inviting you to join in on a discussion of specific techniques for maintaining balance and emotional resilience.
If enough people are interested it'll be happening in the EONS group called Who's Caring for the Caregivers at view link
Go to that link to join the conversation, called Let's Get Pro-active!
Holly
If enough people are interested it'll be happening in the EONS group called Who's Caring for the Caregivers at view link
Go to that link to join the conversation, called Let's Get Pro-active!
Holly
Caregiver Book
I have just published a book called "Reflections for a Caregiver". This book helps caregivers, especially those caring for someone with Alzheimer’s or related dementias to work through the many problems they face daily. It also provides inspiration and validation while providing them with the comfort of knowing that they are not alone and they are doing a great job.
I was the Regional Director for the National Alzheimer’s Association in Southern California for seven years. Through my work with caregivers, I recognized that there was an over-whelming need for daily support and encouragement. This inspired me to publish a book for caregivers that would offer them the knowledge and comfort of knowing that they are not alone.
As many as 5.2 million people in the United States are living with Alzheimer’s. According to the 2008 Alzheimer’s disease Data Report, 10 million baby boomers will develop Alzheimer’s in their lifetime. Each one of them will require someone to care for them. These caregivers often feel alone and they are in great need of support. It is my hope that this book will give them the courage to reach out and ask for the help they need.
Maya Angelou says, “The idea to write it is so that people will hear it and it slides through the brain to the heart”. It is my hope that this book will do just that.
I was the Regional Director for the National Alzheimer’s Association in Southern California for seven years. Through my work with caregivers, I recognized that there was an over-whelming need for daily support and encouragement. This inspired me to publish a book for caregivers that would offer them the knowledge and comfort of knowing that they are not alone.
As many as 5.2 million people in the United States are living with Alzheimer’s. According to the 2008 Alzheimer’s disease Data Report, 10 million baby boomers will develop Alzheimer’s in their lifetime. Each one of them will require someone to care for them. These caregivers often feel alone and they are in great need of support. It is my hope that this book will give them the courage to reach out and ask for the help they need.
Maya Angelou says, “The idea to write it is so that people will hear it and it slides through the brain to the heart”. It is my hope that this book will do just that.
3/4/08
Hi. I'm joining to hopefully find support as I help my dad (the primary caregiver) with my mom's Alzheimer's Disease. She asked to be tested and was diagnosed in approx. 2004 or 2005. I have put my home up for sale and in June, 2007 moved in with my parents in hopes that we can keep her home as long as possible. She has now entered 2nd stage, and my initial denial, anger, sadness, and coming to accept this happened in late 2006. In Jan, 2008 I spoke to an assitant home care agency to have a caregiver come in once per week to help bathe mom and visit with her and to give my dad a break (I work a 40 hour job). While talking to the agency, I learned of a certified nurse's aid class starting the following Monday. I felt the call and signed up. I'm now in week 11 of 15 weeks and have learned so much to build up my confidence. The class is 5 pm to 9 pm M through W. It's been hard, but it's been worth it. This teacher, a nurse, will also be giving us the test for becoming a certified home health care aid - a different certification which will apply even more closely to caring for a person at their home. Be that all as it may, it does not take away one bit the day to day struggle on mom, the Alzheimer's patient. As a daughter, my heart reacts to so much of the sadness, confusion, exhaustion, uselessness, frustration that my mom feels. I hope this group can provide assistance on how to help mom feel better in these days as she transitions to being less and less of her former self. Anyone can learn to give someone a bed bath, but it takes people with real hearts to know how to give someone positive moments in their struggling days. I hope those people are in this group. Thanks. - Karen
Hi
I have been in this group for a little while but never posted was afraid I would sound like a real witch if I complained. My husband has many health problems, heart has had a single and a triple bypass, he is on insulin and pills for his sugar, 5 pills per day and shots x2. He can hardly walk because of the pain in his legs and COPD, he is a Vietnam Vet with PTSD. I had to stop working 2 years ago to stay with him, he has fallen a few times and had to lay there till I got home. We are on SSD and VA not much coming in but the VA pays all his doctors bills and his medicine. I have no insurance and can't get sick.
I am so thankful he still has his mind but he is getting very forgetful.There are days when I could just walk out the door and never come back, but that only lasts for a short time. Our kids live in another state and I have no support here except for a women I worked with. It is all up to me to make sure he takes his med,gets to the VA 2 hours away, etc.
I feel so guilty when I wish for me time,
Sorry I ran off so long, been a day few days.
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
I am so thankful he still has his mind but he is getting very forgetful.There are days when I could just walk out the door and never come back, but that only lasts for a short time. Our kids live in another state and I have no support here except for a women I worked with. It is all up to me to make sure he takes his med,gets to the VA 2 hours away, etc.
I feel so guilty when I wish for me time,
Sorry I ran off so long, been a day few days.
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
God is good!
Christian Glitter by www.christianglitter.com
For the past 5 years, I have been a caregiver to my mother and to my son, who is Bipolar. Within three weeks of the holidays, I lost both my mother and my son. Oh, how I wish that I had them back to care for. However, I know that God's plan is perfect. He was ready for both of them. Please keep me in your prayers that God will give me strength.
Well spouse to PWP
If you haven't tried it and you're a spousal caregiver, go to wellspouse.org - it's a great resource.
My husband of 56 has Parkinsons Disease, and has been on disability for 4 years now. Our son is a senior in high school, and I work full-time. I also started a well spouse support group in my hometown, which I sorely needed. The loneliness is unbearable. My husband can still drive and get around with just a cane, but he's had a loss of executive function, which is of great concern to me. He's now on his 3rd Alzheimer's drug for the dementia, but so far, I haven't seen any change (it's only been a couple of weeks). This disease sucks royally, as they all do!
I try to stay busy and go to the gym after work M-Fri or as many days as I can. My house is filthy and messy, and I don't feel like cleaning it. Ever. But, alas, I have to, until I can hire another cleaning lady. We're living above our means, but it's the only way I can survive. And, it's only money. Of course with college coming up for our son, money will soon be a bigger issue...
Anyway, I'm glad to be here. Look forward to "talking" with everyone!
My husband of 56 has Parkinsons Disease, and has been on disability for 4 years now. Our son is a senior in high school, and I work full-time. I also started a well spouse support group in my hometown, which I sorely needed. The loneliness is unbearable. My husband can still drive and get around with just a cane, but he's had a loss of executive function, which is of great concern to me. He's now on his 3rd Alzheimer's drug for the dementia, but so far, I haven't seen any change (it's only been a couple of weeks). This disease sucks royally, as they all do!
I try to stay busy and go to the gym after work M-Fri or as many days as I can. My house is filthy and messy, and I don't feel like cleaning it. Ever. But, alas, I have to, until I can hire another cleaning lady. We're living above our means, but it's the only way I can survive. And, it's only money. Of course with college coming up for our son, money will soon be a bigger issue...
Anyway, I'm glad to be here. Look forward to "talking" with everyone!
Spouse w/ Alzheimers
I have been taking care of my husband for 3 years now since he was diagnosed with ALZ. at the age of 61. I am having a difficult time watching him decline. He goes to an adult day care 3 days a week for 5 hours and the rest of the time he is home. I have a personal therapist and have been trying out caregivers support groups, but I haven't found a good match yet/
Geri
Geri
New to Group
Was glad to find this caregivers site. I have been wanting to join a support group for caregivers.
I have been a caregiver for my Dad for 11 yrs., since he had a major stroke. I also cared for my Mom a couple yrs. before her death, 3 yrs. ago.
Would really be interested in comparing notes with others who are caring for parents.
I find it very stressful when you actually become the "parent" instead of the child.
Thankfully this job is shared with my 2 siblings, no way could I do it alone. I did for the first 6-7 yrs. after his stroke but that was when Mom could help some. Since Mom's death its a 24/7 job.
Would welcome comments, advice or just chit-chat.
ElvisFan71
I have been a caregiver for my Dad for 11 yrs., since he had a major stroke. I also cared for my Mom a couple yrs. before her death, 3 yrs. ago.
Would really be interested in comparing notes with others who are caring for parents.
I find it very stressful when you actually become the "parent" instead of the child.
Thankfully this job is shared with my 2 siblings, no way could I do it alone. I did for the first 6-7 yrs. after his stroke but that was when Mom could help some. Since Mom's death its a 24/7 job.
Would welcome comments, advice or just chit-chat.
ElvisFan71
Photos
To add photos, you have to join this group (requires you to log in first or sign up for Eons.)
