Gain insight into how family caregiving affects relationships and how improving communication reduces stress.
An Especially Hurtful Moment: Mary’s Story Mary had always had a reputation for being mentally sharp. A retired schoolteacher with a love for crossword puzzles, she prided herself on remembering wedding anniversaries, Bible verses, and the names of every neighbor on her street. As she and her daughter were leaving their local grocery store one…
While perusing a Reddit caregiving forum recently, I searched for the word “resentment.” The volume of results from that search tells me that a lot of caregivers deal with feelings of resentment in their role. One antidote to resentment can be building our appreciation for those we care for. Think about it: It’s hard to…
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…
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…
Wanting help without guilt: Connie’s Story Connie had been caring for her mother, who had early-stage dementia, for over a year. She cooked, cleaned and managed doctor appointments, all while working full-time and raising two pre-teen kids. Her older siblings lived nearby, but Connie never asked them for help. “They have their own lives,” she…
