Taking care of patients in my early 20s is what got me started on my own caregiving journey. The professional nurses at the clinic where I volunteered were great role models. They taught me important lessons that I still use today. This week, many of those lessons are coming back to me. Honoring National Nurses…
Minds Under Fire: Jacey’s Story At 22, Jacey was thrust into caregiving when her 43-year-old father suffered a massive stroke. As his only child, she had no experience and little support. She found herself in a hospital room, trying to make sense of medical jargon and life-changing decisions. For days on end, she sat by…
Have you ever heard someone talk to an older adult like they were a child? Maybe they said things like, “Are we ready for our nap?” Or they used names like “sweetie” or “dear.” This way of speaking is called elderspeak. It’s common, especially among caregivers and family members. People often use it to sound…
An Eye-Opening Caregiver Moment In 2012, I faced a stressful caregiving challenge with one of my aging siblings. He was legally blind, financially challenged and he lived alone. I knew he had to qualify for some benefits programs, but I was overwhelmed with the question of where to start in getting him some help. A…
